Rekeyable Lock Cylinder Position Block Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rekeyable lock cylinders lack burglarproof design during the rekeying process, as the linkage mechanism is vulnerable to unauthorized rekeying operations due to the ease of obtaining simple tools.
Innovation Solution
A rekeyable lock cylinder design that requires a programming tool to contact a specific surface on a position block to release and reengage rack components, ensuring that only authorized tools can perform rekeying by moving the position block along a transverse axis, thereby enhancing security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple tool is used for pushing linkage mechanism during rekeying, then the rekeying operation is easy to perform, but the lock cylinder becomes vulnerable to unauthorized rekeying operations
Solution Approach 1:
A position block is introduced as an intermediary component between the simple pushing tool and the linkage mechanism. The position block must be precisely positioned to receive force from the tool and transmit it to the racks, acting as a mediator that controls the rekeying process. This intermediary element ensures that even with a simple tool, only authorized rekeying operations can succeed when the correct positioning conditions are met.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of tool positioning precision required during rekeying. By requiring the pushing tool to contact a specific surface of the position block at a precise location, the system transforms the rekeying operation from a simple pushing action into a precision operation. This parameter change (from any position to specific position) enhances security while still allowing easy operation with a simple tool when properly positioned.
2Ease of operation
If the position block can be moved freely to release rack engagement, then rekeying is simple to perform, but the lock cylinder lacks burglarproof design
Solution Approach 1:
The position block is designed with asymmetric features, including a specific surface geometry that only matches a corresponding tool shape. The blocking surface is positioned asymmetrically within the plug body, requiring a tool with specific asymmetric characteristics to engage and move the position block. This asymmetry prevents unauthorized tools from manipulating the linkage mechanism while allowing authorized rekeying operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a precise geometric copy relationship between the tool's contacting surface and the position block's blocking surface. The tool must have a surface that exactly matches the blocking surface's geometry, orientation, and position. This copying principle ensures that only the authorized tool with the correct geometric copy can successfully move the position block and perform rekeying, preventing unauthorized access.
3Reliability
If a programming tool with specific contact surface is required, then burglarproof design is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock cylinder is segmented into distinct functional components: the plug body containing the linkage mechanism, the position block as a separate controllable element, and the tool with specific geometric features. By segmenting the system, the invention adds security functionality (the position block as a gatekeeper) without requiring complete redesign of the entire lock mechanism. Each segment has a specific function, and their interaction provides enhanced security with minimal added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the tool complex and the lock simple, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the tool simple and making the lock's internal mechanism (the position block and its blocking surface) the complex element. The security complexity is embedded within the lock cylinder's internal geometry rather than the external tool, allowing users to employ simple tools while the lock itself contains the sophisticated security features through its inverted design approach.
Data Source
AI summary
A rekeyable lock cylinder comprises a cylinder body and a plug assembly disposed within the cylinder body. The plug assembly comprises a plug body, a plurality of assembled pins and a position block. The plug body has a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis vertical to the longitudinal axis, a keyhole and a first through hole. Each of the assembled pins is movably disposed in the plug body and comprises a first rack component and a second rack component selectively engaging with the first rack component. The position block disposed at the plug body has a plurality of pin runners used for disposing the first rack components, a second through hole corresponding to the first through hole and a tool-contacting surface located within the second through hole. The position block can move along the transverse axis-direction of the plug body to make each of the first rack components reengage with each of the second rack components.