Lock Core Variable Profile Element Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lock cores lack the ability to be coded variably for a large number of key variants, limiting their versatility and security.

Innovation Solution

A lock core design featuring a locking channel with a partially defined locking profile, where at least one profile element is integrated and one is separate and detachable, allowing the locking profile to be changed by replacing the variable profile element without cutting, using rotationally symmetrical profile pins or rollers that protrude into the channel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the locking profile is defined by integrated profile elements only, then the lock core structure is simple and reliable, but the ability to accommodate multiple key variants is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to accommodate key variantsVSAvoidlock core structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking profile is segmented into two distinct parts: fixed integrated profile elements that form the basic locking channel structure, and separate variable profile elements that can be detached and replaced. This segmentation allows the lock core to accommodate multiple key variants by simply changing the variable profile elements, while maintaining a simple and reliable basic structure through the fixed elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the locking profile is changed by machining, then the profile can be precisely defined, but the process is time-consuming and requires extensive machining

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprofile changing speedVSAvoidlocking profile definition
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The variable profile elements are pre-manufactured with precise locking profiles through dedicated manufacturing processes. This preliminary action allows the profile to be precisely defined during manufacturing rather than during field installation or changing. When profile changes are needed, pre-manufactured variable elements are simply replaced rather than machined, significantly improving productivity while maintaining manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate variable profile elements are used, then the locking profile can be changed flexibly, but the risk of unintentional detachment increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking profile changeabilityVSAvoidprofile element retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The variable profile elements are designed to be nested within the locking channel structure, with receiving bores that accommodate the profile elements. This nesting arrangement provides mechanical retention that prevents unintentional detachment while allowing flexible replacement when needed. The profile elements are held securely within the locking channel's receiving structures, ensuring reliability while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3428371B1Lock core, lock cylinder, locking device and cylinder lock and method for same
Publication Date: 2021.01.13 C ED SCHULTE GMBH ZYLINDERSCHLOSSFAB RIK
  • EP3428371B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP3428371B1 patent drawingFigure 6~12
  • EP3428371B1 patent drawingFigure 13~17

AI summary

The subject matter of the present invention relates to a locking core (8) for a locking cylinder (1), comprising a locking channel (9) having a locking profile, wherein the locking profile, which at least partially delimits the locking channel (9) laterally, is defined by profile-forming profile elements, wherein at least one profile-forming profile element is fixedly, i.e., integrated, with the locking core (8) and at least one variable profile element (130) is formed separately and/or detachably from the locking channel (9) or the locking core (8), so that the locking profile can be changed, in particular without chips, by replacing the at least one separate profile-forming variable profile element (130), wherein the at least one separate profile element (130) is formed as a profile body rotationally symmetrical about a profile element axis.The invention further relates to a locking cylinder (1), a locking device (100), a key (12), a cylinder lock and methods for this.