Lock Core Side Pin Assembly for Unauthorized Access Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lock systems lack a reliable secondary verification mechanism to ensure that only authorized keys can operate the lock, leading to potential unauthorized access.

Innovation Solution

A lock core system that incorporates a side pin assembly and a region pin, which moves between locked and unlocked positions based on the profile of the key inserted, providing an additional layer of verification by interacting with the key's shoulder and groove to align pin tumblers correctly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional lock core with pin tumblers is used, then the lock can be operated with a key, but there is no secondary verification mechanism to prevent unauthorized access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess verification reliabilityVSAvoidlock core structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock core is segmented into multiple independent pin assemblies (first pin assembly with side pin, second pin assembly with region pin) that operate in sequence. Each pin assembly provides an independent verification stage, dividing the access control function into discrete segments that must all be satisfied for successful operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The side pin and region pin are positioned in advance within their respective assemblies to block core plug rotation before key insertion. The key's groove and shoulder must preliminarily align with these pins to enable their movement, creating preliminary verification actions that prevent unauthorized operation before the main locking mechanism engages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a side pin assembly with finger in notch is used to block core plug movement, then security is enhanced, but the key insertion process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelock securityVSAvoidkey insertion ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The key's groove is designed to automatically engage with the region pin, and the key's shoulder automatically contacts and pushes the side pin assembly, causing the finger to move out of the notch. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional user actions or complex manipulation, as the key's own geometry performs the unlocking function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The region pin acts as an intermediary element between the key's groove and the side pin assembly. The groove pushes the region pin, which in turn pushes the side pin assembly, creating a mediated force transmission that simplifies the overall operation while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If multiple pin assemblies are added to verify access rights, then unauthorized access prevention is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess rights verificationVSAvoidlock core manufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Both the side pin and region pin assemblies use similar structural components (pins, notches, grooves) that can be manufactured using the same processes and tooling. This multi-functionality approach allows a single manufacturing line to produce all pin assemblies, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the increased number of components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The side pin assembly and region pin assembly are combined within the same core plug structure, sharing common elements such as the keyway, spring mechanisms, and housing features. This merging reduces the total number of separate components and assembly steps compared to having completely independent locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8479545B2Key for use with lock core having side pin
Publication Date: 2013.07.09 DORMAKABA USA INC
  • US8479545B2 patent drawing
  • US8479545B2 patent drawing
  • US8479545B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A key body and an associated lock core are disclosed. The disclosed lock core includes a core body, a core sleeve, a core plug, and a side pin assembly including a side pin, a region pin, and a spring.