Lock Case With Removable Positioning Tabs for Cylinder Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lock cases are not adaptable to accommodate different types of locking cylinders, such as profile and round cylinders, due to their varying cross-sectional shapes, requiring multiple lock cases with different-sized openings.

Innovation Solution

A lock case design featuring positioning tabs on its side walls that project into the opening, allowing for the form-fitting accommodation of one type of locking cylinder while enabling easy adaptation to fit another type by adjusting or removing the tabs to accommodate cylinders with different core receiving section diameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a lock case is designed with a fixed opening size for one type of locking cylinder, then it provides a secure form-fitting reception for that specific type, but it cannot accommodate other types of locking cylinders with different cross-sectional shapes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of different locking cylinder typesVSAvoidneed for multiple lock cases with different openings
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The opening edge is segmented into a permanent portion and a removable positioning tab portion. The positioning tab can be removed to transform the opening from a form-fitting configuration to a larger configuration, enabling the same lock case to accommodate different locking cylinder types without requiring multiple separate lock cases

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lock case opening is designed to be dynamically adjustable between two states: with the positioning tab installed for form-fitting reception of one cylinder type, and with the positioning tab removed for accommodation of another cylinder type. This dynamic modification allows versatility without increasing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the opening is made larger to accommodate a round cylinder, then it can receive cylinders with larger core receiving sections, but it cannot provide a form-fitting reception for profile cylinders with smaller diameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of both profile and round cylindersVSAvoidsecure fit of locking cylinder
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning tab acts as a removable segment that, when installed, reduces the opening size to provide form-fitting and reliable reception for profile cylinders. When removed, it allows larger round cylinders to be accommodated. This segmented design enables the opening to adapt its size while maintaining reliable fit for whichever cylinder type is installed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning tab is pre-installed on the lock case to provide form-fitting reception for profile cylinders. Before installing a round cylinder, the positioning tab is removed in advance to enlarge the opening. This preliminary action ensures that the opening is properly sized for the specific cylinder type being installed, maintaining reliable fit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4276261B1Lock box for receiving a lock cylinder
Publication Date: 2024.05.29 MACO TECHNOLOGIE GMBH
  • EP4276261B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a lock case for receiving a locking cylinder, comprising two opposing side walls, each side wall having an opening for the positive-locking reception of a first type of locking cylinder. This opening is bounded by a rim formed by the respective side wall, which at least partially describes a circle. At least one positioning tab formed by the respective side wall projects into the interior of the circle, reducing the clear dimension of the opening for the positive-locking reception of a second type of locking cylinder.