Lock Cylinder Double Locking Means Eccentric Key Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock cylinders with double locking mechanisms are still vulnerable to key duplication and picking, despite their complexity, as they rely on radial locking pins and drive pins that can be manipulated by skilled individuals.
Innovation Solution
The lock cylinder incorporates an eccentric axial key path with central and eccentric zones defined by symmetrical indentations, featuring transverse locking slats and a pin-piston system, where the key can be introduced in two angular positions, and a flat key with sinuous grooves and longitudinal key grooves to interact with these mechanisms, making it difficult to break in or pick.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional radial locking pins and drive pins are used, then the lock cylinder can be manufactured with simpler structure, but the security against key duplication and picking remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two independent diametrically opposed parts, each with its own locking pins and drive pins. This segmentation allows each part to function independently, increasing the complexity of the overall system while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The two diametrically opposed parts are designed with asymmetric configurations of locking pins and drive pins. The first part has locking pins extending radially outward while the second part has drive pins positioned to push locking pistons. This asymmetric arrangement creates a more complex locking pattern that resists duplication and picking attempts.
2Reliability
If double rows of pins are implemented, then break-in time increases, but the lock remains vulnerable to skilled picking and key copying
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism incorporates dynamic interaction between the two diametrically opposed parts. When a key is inserted, it must simultaneously coordinate with both the locking pins and drive pins, causing them to move in opposition to each other. This dynamic coordination requirement increases the effective complexity and security without requiring an excessive number of pins.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the key path is made eccentric with central and eccentric zones, then reversible key operation is enabled, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The eccentric key path design with central and eccentric zones enables a single key to operate the lock in multiple positions. The key can be inserted and rotated to engage either the first or second diametrically opposed part, providing versatile operation. This multi-functionality is achieved through the eccentric geometry that allows the key to access both locking mechanisms from different angular positions.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
The cylinder (10) has two opposite parts (16) with locking blades (28) having a guiding pin (30) mounted between a radial stop unit (18) and a passage path (24). A stator (14) has locking pistons (42) and a rotor has a flat key (26) with coded opposite sides. One of the sides cooperates with the pin when the key is introduced in the path to cause transversal driving of the blades to adjust the notches opposite to the unit (18) and to permit radial movement towards interior of the rotor. Other side drives the pin in translation, where the pin drives the piston outside the rotor.