Lock Cylinder Pin Pair Biasing for Increased Combinations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pin-tumbler locks have limited combinations, requiring multiple pin lengths to achieve a sufficient number of locking configurations, which complicates manufacturing and security.
Innovation Solution
The design introduces a key-operable lock cylinder with multiple pairs of locking pins using the same pins, where the biasing means are reversed for each pair, allowing for increased combinations with fewer pin lengths, and a key with aligned recesses to accommodate these pins, ensuring proper alignment for rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple pin lengths are used to increase the number of combinations, then the number of combinations increases, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into multiple pin pairs, each consisting of two separate pins that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows each pin pair to function as an independent locking element, increasing the total number of combinations without requiring a proportional increase in overall system complexity. The rotor is segmented into multiple radial positions where each pin pair can be independently set.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-dimension pin length variation to a two-dimensional pin positioning system. Instead of varying pin lengths along one dimension, the system uses pins of substantially equal length positioned at different radial distances from the rotor axis and at different angular positions. This dimensional change allows for increased combinations while maintaining simpler pin manufacturing.
2Reliability
If multiple pin lengths are used to achieve sufficient locking configurations, then the number of combinations increases, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
All pins in the locking mechanism are made with substantially equal lengths and uniform dimensions. This homogeneity simplifies the manufacturing process by allowing pins to be produced using a single standardized process, eliminating the need for multiple pin length specifications and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining security through varied pin positions and biasing arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is divided into multiple pin pairs, each consisting of two separate pins that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows each pin pair to function as an independent locking element, increasing the total number of combinations without requiring a proportional increase in overall system complexity. The rotor is segmented into multiple radial positions where each pin pair can be independently set.
3Reliability
If the number of pin pairs is increased to increase combinations, then the number of combinations increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into multiple pin pairs, each consisting of two separate pins that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows each pin pair to function as an independent locking element, increasing the total number of combinations without requiring a proportional increase in overall system complexity. The rotor is segmented into multiple radial positions where each pin pair can be independently set.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-dimension pin length variation to a two-dimensional pin positioning system. Instead of varying pin lengths along one dimension, the system uses pins of substantially equal length positioned at different radial distances from the rotor axis and at different angular positions. This dimensional change allows for increased combinations while maintaining simpler pin manufacturing.
4Ease of operation
If pins are positioned entirely within the rotor to allow rotation, then the lock can be operated, but the spacing between pin drops must be precise
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing means for each pin in a pin pair are configured with different force characteristics, creating an asymmetric biasing arrangement. This asymmetry ensures that when the key is inserted, the pins are reliably driven to their correct positions with distinct spacing, making the system more tolerant of manufacturing variations while ensuring precise pin positioning during operation.
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 approach simplifies manufacturing, enhances security by increasing the spacing between pin drops, and achieves a larger number of combinations with reduced pin lengths, improving the lock's operational security.
Implementation Method 1
biased by respective biasing means to abut within the keyway
Implementation Method 2
biased by respective biasing means to abut within the keyway
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3F
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A key operable lock cylinder in which a rotor 8 is mounted within a stator 6 for rotation about a longitudinal axis of the stator and a plurality of transverse passages 14 extend through the rotor 8 and stator 6 to intersect a keyway 12 extending axially into the rotor 8. Each passage 14 is provided with a pair of locking pins 16, 20 slidably mounted in the passage 14 and biased by respective springs 26, 28 to abut within the keyway 12. The spring of one pin of each pair of pins 16, 20 is stronger than the spring of the other pin and urges the other pin to project across an interface between the rotor 8 and stator 6 to prevent rotation of the rotor 8 relative to the stator 8 in a locked condition. The pins of each pair of pins 16, 20 are movable in response to insertion of a complementary key in the keyway 12 to become located entirely within the rotor 8 to permit rotation of the rotor 8 relative to the stator 6 in an unlocked condition. Two pairs of the same locking pins are provided in which the biasing of the pins by the springs in one pair is reversed in the other pair of the same pins. In this way, for a given number of pins, the number of available combinations can be increased.