Double Lock Cylinder Ball Coupling for Pull-Out Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing double locking cylinders suffer from low stability and security due to their two-part design, which limits their resistance to manipulation and unauthorized unlocking.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of positive locking means using balls arranged coaxially between the cores and the locking bar, along with a one-piece ring element, enhances stability and security by preventing relative rotation and allowing high axial force transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the locking bolt is designed in two parts for assembly, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the stability of the locking bolt deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the two-part locking bolt design into a one-piece locking bolt manufactured from a single piece of material. This eliminates the joint between parts while maintaining manufacturability through techniques like precision casting or machining, thereby resolving the contradiction by achieving both stability (through unified structure) and ease of manufacture (through single-piece fabrication processes)

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If the locking bolt is designed in two parts, then the ease of assembly is improved, but the security against manipulation attempts deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidsecurity against manipulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The one-piece locking bolt design eliminates joints and interfaces that could be exploited for manipulation. The unified structure provides inherent security while maintaining ease of assembly through simple installation procedures, resolving the contradiction between security and ease of assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stability of the object's composition

If balls are arranged in coaxially superimposed sections, then the stability and force transmission are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent arranges balls in coaxially superimposed sections along the axial dimension, creating a multi-level bearing structure that enhances stability and force transmission. This dimensional arrangement allows the balls to be positioned at different axial levels while maintaining radial alignment, thereby achieving improved mechanical performance without excessive complexity through systematic spatial organization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

The design provides exceptional stability and security against manipulation, reducing friction and ensuring reliable locking even if the housing breaks, while maintaining simplicity in assembly and production.

Implementation Method 1

The balls can transmit significant forces in the axial direction. They offer considerable resistance to any attempt to manipulate the locking bolt by pulling a core out of the housing.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

Additionally, the balls reduce friction during relative movement of one of the cores with respect to the locking bolt.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4660401A1Double locking cylinder
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 AUG WINKHAUS SE
  • EP4660401A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4660401A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4660401A1 patent drawing

AI summary

In a double-lock cylinder, rotatable cores (2, 3) within a housing (1) are coupled to the locking bolt (4) in the direction of pull via balls (15). In the event of a manipulation attempt, the balls (15) create significant resistance against pulling out the core (2, 3). During operation, the balls (15) also reduce friction between a stationary core (2, 3) and the locking bolt (4).