Lock Cylinder Key System With Embedded Magnet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lock cylinder key systems lack effective copy protection, as existing copying machines can reproduce almost any key profile without issues, compromising security.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a stationary magnet in the key and a movable magnet in the cylinder core, with a spring-loaded ball-pin combination, where the magnet attracts the ball-pin to lock the cylinder core when no key or an inappropriate key is present, and releases it when the correct key is inserted, preventing unauthorized copying and rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a magnet is added to the key and cylinder core to create magnetic coding, then security and copy protection are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pure mechanical key coding with a hybrid magnetic-mechanical system. Magnets are embedded in the key and cylinder core to create magnetic coding that works alongside the mechanical profile, making key duplication more difficult while maintaining mechanical operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the coding parameters from purely mechanical (profile shapes, notches) to include magnetic properties (magnet positions, polarities, strengths). This adds a new dimension of security that copying machines cannot easily replicate
2Reliability
If a spring-loaded ball-pin combination with magnet is used to lock the cylinder core, then unauthorized rotation is prevented, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnet as an intermediary between the key and the ball-pin locking mechanism. The magnet's magnetic field acts as the mediating force that either locks or releases the ball-pin combination, providing secure control without direct mechanical contact
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the ball-pin combination dynamic rather than static. The ball is spring-loaded and can move between locked and unlocked positions based on magnetic attraction, allowing the system to transition between states rather than remaining fixed
3Reliability
If magnets are positioned near the back of the key to engage with the cylinder core, then key authentication is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions magnets in predetermined locations during key manufacturing, before the key is used. The magnets are embedded at specific positions near the back of the key, establishing the authentication code in advance that will later engage with the cylinder core
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
Enhances security by ensuring only authorized keys with a magnet can rotate the cylinder core, effectively preventing unauthorized access and key duplication.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet which is arranged transversely to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder and has a profile corresponding to the lateral profile of the key is provided in the key near the back of the key that in the cylinder core under the magnetic effect of the magnet arranged in the key parallel to the key channel or to the side surface of the key in a bore of the cylinder core displaceable magnet is provided
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a lock cylinder key system comprising a cylinder housing in which a cylinder core is rotatably mounted, which cylinder core has a keyway accommodating a key that can be inserted into the keyway, the cylinder core and the cylinder housing having tumblers which cooperate. According to the invention, a magnet is provided in the key close to the back of the key and at a right angle to the cylinder axis. A magnet is provided in the cylinder core and can be displaced under the influence of the magnetic force of the magnet arranged in the key, and can be brought into engagement with a spring-loaded ball-pin unit. The ball of said unit engages in a locking shaft groove of the cylinder housing when there is no key in the keyway while the magnet present in the key can withdraw the magnet in the cylinder core from the ball-pin unit, thereby disengaging it, when the key is in the keyway.