Lock Cylinder Magnetic Reset Mechanism Avoiding Dead Centers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock cylinder arrangements with magnetic reset mechanisms face issues such as dead centers, suboptimal magnetic field interaction, and difficulty in adjusting the zero point position without altering the structural design, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for stronger magnetic elements.
Innovation Solution
The proposed lock cylinder arrangement features a magnet ring connected to the lock bit and a second magnetic element connected to the lock cylinder housing, where the second magnetic element extends over a maximum of 180 degrees, interacting only with part of the inner magnetic ring's circumference, allowing optimal magnetic force development while avoiding dead centers. This configuration also enables adjustment of the zero point position without structural changes by gluing magnetic elements in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the second magnetic element extends over the entire circumference surrounding the first magnetic element, then the magnetic field interaction is maximized, but dead centers occur and the magnetic force becomes suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The second magnetic element is segmented to extend over only a portion of the circumference (maximum 180 degrees) rather than the entire circumference, creating distinct magnetic interaction zones that prevent dead centers while maintaining effective magnetic force
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic element arrangement is made asymmetric by limiting the second magnetic element to a maximum 180-degree circumferential extension, breaking the symmetry that would otherwise create dead center positions where magnetic forces cancel out
2Force
If stronger magnetic elements are used to improve magnetic field interaction, then the magnetic force increases, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using stronger magnetic elements throughout the entire circumference, the solution applies magnetic interaction partially by limiting the second magnetic element to a maximum 180-degree arc, achieving sufficient magnetic force with weaker, more cost-effective magnetic elements
3Adaptability or versatility
If the zero point position needs to be adjusted, then the lock functionality improves, but the structural design must be changed
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic element configuration is made adjustable and dynamic, allowing the zero point position to be modified by repositioning the magnetic elements without requiring fundamental structural design changes to the lock cylinder assembly
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
This design enhances the reliability of the lock cylinder by preventing dead centers, optimizing magnetic force, and allowing for zero point adjustment without increasing structural complexity or magnetic element strength, thus improving the lock's functionality and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet arrangement for exerting a restoring moment which shifts the lock bit into a predetermined rest position, the magnet arrangement having at least one first magnet element non-rotatably connected to the lock bit and at least one second magnetic element non-rotatably connected to the lock cylinder housing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A locking cylinder assembly (1) comprising: - a locking bolt (11) pivotably mounted on the locking cylinder housing (2), and - a magnetic assembly (6) for exerting a restoring torque that moves the locking bolt (11) into a predetermined rest position, is described. The magnetic assembly (6) has at least one first magnetic element (8, 22, 25) directly or indirectly connected to the locking bolt (11) in a rotationally fixed manner, and at least one second magnetic element (9, 10, 17, 18, 21, 25) connected to the locking cylinder housing (2) in a rotationally fixed manner and arranged in a free space (5) of the locking cylinder housing (2) concentrically surrounding the rotational axis (D) of the locking bolt (11). The at least one first magnetic element (8, 22, 25) which is rotationally fixed to the locking bar (11) is designed as a magnetic ring arranged coaxially to the axis of rotation (D) of the locking bar (11).At least one second magnetic element (9, 10, 17, 18), which is rotationally fixed to the lock cylinder housing (2), extends over a total circumferential angle of a maximum of 180 degrees and is arranged adjacent to the circumference of the first magnetic element (8, 22, 25).