Lock Cylinder with Pivotable Core and Setting Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door lock systems often fail to ensure that the outer operating device is locked, as the key can be separated from the lock core without the user confirming the locking state, leading to potential unauthorized unlocking.
Innovation Solution
A lock cylinder with a pivotable lock core and a setting unit that can be controlled between engagement and release positions, preventing the lock core from pivoting unless the key is inserted or removed, and featuring actuating blocks to change the operative state of the latch device based on the lock core's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lock core is made pivotable to enable unlocking, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of locking is worsened because the key can be separated without confirming the locking state
Solution Approach 1:
The setting unit is pre-configured in an engagement position that prevents the lock core from pivoting unless the key is properly inserted. This preliminary positioning ensures that the locking mechanism is activated before any unlocking operation can occur, eliminating the risk of accidental unlocking while maintaining ease of operation when the key is correct.
Solution Approach 2:
The setting unit provides feedback to the lock core about the key's insertion status. When the key is inserted, the setting unit moves to a position that allows the lock core to pivot; when the key is removed, the setting unit returns to the engagement position that prevents pivoting. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable locking while maintaining ease of operation.
2Reliability
If the lock core is prevented from pivoting when the key is removed, then the reliability of locking is improved, but the ease of operation is worsened because the user cannot confirm the locking state without operating the handle
Solution Approach 1:
The setting unit acts as an intermediary between the key insertion status and the lock core's pivoting capability. It translates the key's presence or absence into a mechanical state that either enables or disables the lock core's pivoting. This intermediary mechanism allows the user to confirm the locking state by simply removing the key, without needing to operate the handle, while maintaining reliable locking.
3Reliability
If the setting unit is added to control the lock core's pivoting, then the reliability of locking is improved, but the device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The setting unit is merged with the lock core assembly, sharing the same pivot axis and mechanical space. The setting unit's engagement and release positions are achieved through the same key insertion and removal actions that control the lock core's pivoting. This merging approach allows the setting unit to add reliability control without significantly increasing device complexity, as it integrates with rather than adds separate mechanical systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A lock cylinder is mounted to an outer operating device of a door lock. The lock cylinder includes a lock core and an actuating block fixed to the lock core. The actuating block includes first and second lugs operatively coupled with the outer operating device. A key can be inserted into the lock core to pivot the lock core between an initial position and a non-initial position. When the lock core is in the non-initial position, the first lug permits a latch of the outer operating device to be moved from a latching position to an unlatching position by operating the outer operating device. When the lock core is in the initial position, the second lug prevents the latch from being moved from the latching position to the unlatching position by operating the outer operating device.