Lock Core Structure Preventing Key Socket Misalignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laminated locks are cumbersome to manufacture and assemble due to numerous elements and are prone to dislocation of lock plates when subjected to vibrations, making key insertion and operation difficult.
Innovation Solution
A lock core structure comprising a lock core shell, a lock piece base with compression springs, a positioning plate, a detent member, and a positioning buckle, which allows lock pieces to shift horizontally instead of rotating, ensuring stable key insertion and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple lock plates and spacers are alternately laminated within the lock piece seat, then the locking function is achieved, but the manufacturing and assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lock plates and spacers into a single integrated lock piece base with through slots. The lock pieces are positioned within these slots and held by compression springs, eliminating the need for separate laminated components while maintaining the locking function through the integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock piece base is segmented into multiple through slots that can independently accommodate lock pieces. This segmentation allows each slot to function independently while being part of a unified base structure, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly compared to laminating multiple complete components.
2Reliability
If lock plates are arranged in the lock piece seat, then the locking mechanism is formed, but the lock plates may randomly rotate and become dislocated due to vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The lock pieces are preliminarily positioned within the through slots of the lock piece base during assembly. The compression springs are pre-installed in the slots to provide continuous holding force, ensuring the lock pieces remain properly aligned and preventing random rotation or dislocation before the lock is even operated.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression springs act as intermediaries between the lock pieces and the lock piece base. These springs provide continuous contact and holding force, mediating the mechanical connection to prevent dislocation while allowing the necessary movement for locking and unlocking operations.
3Ease of manufacture
If lock plates are held in place by friction or interference fit, then assembly is simple, but the key holes may become misaligned under vibration
Solution Approach 1:
Compression springs serve as intermediary elements that actively maintain the position of lock pieces within the through slots. Unlike passive friction or interference fits, these springs provide continuous dynamic holding force that adapts to vibrations and operational stresses, ensuring key hole alignment is maintained without complex assembly procedures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Simplifies manufacturing and assembly, prevents dislocation of key sockets, and enhances the anti-theft function by facilitating easy and stable key operation.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of compression springs (32) correspondingly arranged in the accommodating slots (314) of the lock piece base (31) respectively
Implementation Method 2
a detent member (35) arranged in the notch (310) of the lock piece base (31)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a structure composed of lock core and key, which lock pieces may only shift in parallel, so as to avoid the lock pieces from rotating and to prevent the key sockets on the lock pieces from misaligning with one another due to random rotation of the lock pieces, which ensures easy and smooth key insertion and operation.