Lock Cylinder Axial Tumbler and Segmented Rod Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock cylinders face challenges in achieving equivalent security while being cost-effectively manufactured and assembled, with a high risk of losing individual parts and complex tooling requirements due to non-rotational symmetry of components.
Innovation Solution
A lock cylinder design featuring a cylinder core with axial tumbler elements and a locking rod with two rotationally symmetrical rod elements that can move relative to each other, supported by a spring element, allowing for automated assembly and reduced risk of jamming, with a movement transmission element that deflects force 90° to offset the axial tumbler element parallel to the key insertion direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking element is designed to cross the pivot joint between cylinder core and housing, then security is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is divided into two separate components: a locking part that crosses the pivot joint and a motion transmission element that is actuated by the key. This segmentation allows each component to be simpler and more easily manufactured while maintaining the security function of the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The motion transmission element acts as an intermediary between the key and the locking part. When the key is inserted, it actuates the motion transmission element, which in turn moves the locking part from the locked to the released position. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the overall structure while maintaining security.
2Reliability
If traditional locking bars with springs are used, then locking function is achieved, but risk of spring jamming and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is extracted from the traditional locking bar assembly and replaced by a separate retaining mechanism. The rod elements are retained by a retaining ring or similar feature, eliminating the spring component that caused jamming issues while maintaining the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking rod with two rod elements provides a self-retaining mechanism where the rod elements are held in place by their own geometry and the retaining feature, eliminating the need for external spring retention mechanisms and reducing assembly complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If non-rotational symmetrical components are used, then locking precision is improved, but tooling costs and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rod elements are designed with rotational symmetry, allowing them to be manufactured with standard rotational tooling. This symmetry enables the rod elements to be produced using conventional milling and turning operations without requiring complex asymmetric tooling, while still achieving the necessary locking precision through their symmetrical interaction with the locking groove.
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 simplifies production and assembly, reduces tooling costs, and ensures secure operation with a reduced risk of spring jamming, enabling equivalent security with improved manufacturing efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
supported by a spring element, allowing for automated assembly and reduced risk of jamming
Implementation Method 2
a movement transmission element that deflects force 90° to offset the axial tumbler element parallel to the key insertion direction
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a locking cylinder with a cylinder housing and a cylinder core rotatably mounted in the cylinder housing, wherein the cylinder core has a keyway for inserting a key in a key insertion direction, wherein the locking cylinder further comprises a plurality of locking elements which enable rotational movement of the cylinder core in the cylinder housing in a respective release position and lock it in a respective locking position, wherein one of the plurality of locking elements is an axial locking element which, when the key is fully inserted into the keyway, is shifted relative to its locking position into its release position, in particular substantially parallel to the key insertion direction, and wherein the locking cylinder further comprises a locking rod with two rod elements movable relative to each other.and wherein one of the rod elements of the locking bar forms the axial locking element. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a locking system and a method.