Lock Cylinder Tilting Spring Mechanism for Secure Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking cylinder systems lack enhanced security features, particularly in electronic locking mechanisms, as they rely on less effective magnetic coupling methods.

Innovation Solution

A locking cylinder with a rotatably mounted cylinder core featuring an electric motor-driven tilting spring mechanism that controls two spring-loaded pins, allowing for secure coupling and decoupling of the locking bit, with stable end positions ensuring secure locking and energy efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a magnetic locking system is used, then the locking mechanism is simpler, but the security is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking system complexityVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking system is segmented into two independent pin mechanisms (locking pin and coupling pin) that operate simultaneously but independently. This segmentation allows each pin to perform its specific function (locking and coupling) without interfering with the other, thereby enhancing security while maintaining system manageability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded pins are designed with pre-tensioning springs that automatically engage and disengage based on the cylinder core position. This beforehand cushioning ensures that the locking and coupling functions are always available and can react immediately to position changes, enhancing security without requiring complex control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If spring forces are increased to improve locking reliability, then the locking becomes more secure, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The tilting spring mechanism operates with periodic action, using the natural oscillation and stable end positions of the tilted spring to control the pins. The mechanism leverages the spring's own elastic energy during each locking cycle, requiring minimal external energy input while maintaining high locking reliability through the bistable nature of the mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded pins are self-actuating mechanisms that use their own spring forces to engage and disengage. The system is designed so that the pins automatically respond to the cylinder core position changes without requiring additional energy input, making the locking system energy-efficient while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the locking pin and coupling pin are controlled by separate mechanisms, then the control complexity increases, but the security increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking pin and coupling pin are merged into a single integrated tilting spring mechanism. Both pins are controlled by the same tilted spring and pivot point, allowing them to be actuated simultaneously by a single rotational motion of the cylinder core. This merging reduces control complexity while maintaining the security benefits of having both locking and coupling functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tilting spring mechanism serves multiple functions: it controls both the locking pin and coupling pin, provides the restoring force for both pins, and enables the bistable positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the overall control mechanism complexity while maintaining high security through the coordinated action of both pins

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The solution significantly increases security by maintaining stable end positions and resisting manipulative rotational acceleration, while minimizing axial impacts and ensuring reliable locking and coupling functions even under varying conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a tilting spring mechanism with two stable end positions, and by which a spring-loaded pin can be controlled

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

spring-loaded pins in the tensile and compressive directions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4317633A1Lock cylinder with a cylinder core which can be locked against rotation
Publication Date: 2024.02.07 ASSA ABLOY SICHERHEITSTECHNIK GMBH
  • EP4317633A1 patent drawingFigure 1~6
  • EP4317633A1 patent drawingFigure 7~8
  • EP4317633A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a locking cylinder, in particular a locking cylinder with a locking system, with a cylinder core rotatably mounted in the cylinder housing, which can be rotatably mounted via a key or knob inserted into the cylinder core and coupled with a locking bolt to trigger a locking process.To create a simplified system for locking a cylinder lock, an electric motor (3) is arranged in the cylinder core, which drives a tilting mechanism (6) having two stable end positions, and which actuates a spring-loaded pin (5 or 8), wherein the tilting mechanism (6) is designed such that the stable end positions can bias the spring-loaded pin (5 or 8) in tension and compression directions, wherein a spring-loaded pin (5) in one of the two end positions of the tilting mechanism blocks the rotation of the cylinder core by its radially outer end engaging in a recess (12) in the cylinder housing, while the other pin (8) in this end position of the tilting mechanism (6) radially decouples the locking bolt (4) with its outer end.