Lock Cylinder with Blocking Cam and Ball Bearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pin tumbler locks have security limitations due to fewer key combinations as the number of pin sets decreases, making them less secure, and they can be vulnerable to lock picking and unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
The enhanced lock cylinder design incorporates a locking cam with recesses and a biasing mechanism, along with a blocking cam, which requires a specific key projection to align the locking cam for rotation, preventing misalignment and lock picking, and utilizing a ball bearing to reduce wear and enhance durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the number of pin sets is decreased, then the device complexity is reduced, but the security is worsened due to fewer key combinations
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is divided into multiple independent locking elements (locking cam with first and second recesses, blocking cam with first and second recesses, multiple locking members) that work together. Each element provides an additional layer of security, allowing the lock to maintain high security even with fewer pin sets by increasing the complexity of the locking mechanism itself rather than relying solely on the number of pins.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a new dimension to the locking mechanism by introducing locking cams that rotate between locked and unlocked positions, and blocking cams that can block the rotation of locking cams. This transforms the traditional linear pin-tumbler mechanism into a multi-dimensional system with rotational movements and multiple states, significantly increasing security without requiring more pin sets.
2Reliability
If a locking cam with multiple recesses and blocking cam is added, then the security is improved by preventing lock picking, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking cam is positioned to proactively block the rotation of locking cams before a pick tool can manipulate the locking members. The first recess of the blocking cam prevents the locking cam from rotating to the unlocked position unless the correct key is inserted, thereby preventing lock picking attempts in advance rather than reacting to them.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking cam acts as an intermediary element between the key insertion and the unlocking action. It mediates the rotation of locking cams by blocking their movement unless the correct key profile is inserted, which simultaneously operates both the locking members and the blocking cam to allow rotation. This intermediary layer adds security without requiring a completely separate mechanism.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a ball bearing is introduced to reduce wear, then the durability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ball bearing automatically performs the function of reducing wear between the locking cam and blocking cam during normal operation. As the locking cam rotates between locked and unlocked positions, the ball bearing rolls between the surfaces, continuously reducing friction and wear without requiring external intervention or additional maintenance mechanisms. The component serves itself by incorporating the lubrication and wear-protection function into its operational movement.
Data Source
AI summary
A lock cylinder having a barrel and a lock housing, the barrel having a locking cam pivotally mounted therein, the locking cam including at least one recess on an outer periphery thereof, a housing recess formed on an inner wall of the lock housing, a locking member that, in a locking position, is positioned at least partly in the housing recess formed on the inner wall of the lock housing, the at least one recess on the locking cam including a first recess on the locking cam, the first recess being sized to enable the locking member to move out of the housing groove, the barrel having a key slot for receiving a key, the key including a projection for causing the locking cam to rotate to bring the first recess on the locking cam adjacent to or into alignment with the locking member such that the locking member moves out of the housing recess and into the first recess of the locking cam and barrel slot to thereby enable rotation of the barrel in the lock housing.