Lock Cylinder Variable Groove Depth for Robust Electronic Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic lock cylinders are not robust enough to resist lock-picking and tampering, and they require significant space for electronic components, making them bulky and expensive, while also needing external power sources, which complicates installation in doors without existing electrical infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
The lock cylinder design features a revolving plug with a variable operative distance between its driving tooth and rotation axis, allowing for a more compact and robust structure that can house electronic components effectively, with a reduced groove size for the revolving plug, enhancing sturdiness and security without increasing size or power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard groove is provided to allow the rotary movement of the revolving plug, then the lock cylinder can function properly, but the sturdiness of the lock cylinder is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the groove depth variable rather than uniform. The groove is deepest at the bottom to allow full rotary movement of the revolving plug, and gradually becomes shallower toward the periphery. This dynamic variation in groove depth enables the revolving plug to rotate freely while the surrounding material maintains its sturdiness and resistance to lock-picking and tampering.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electronic components are housed in the lock cylinder, then the lock can provide electronic security features, but the space available is reduced due to the groove for the revolving plug
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the groove, specifically its depth at different radial positions. This optimization allows the groove to be just sufficient for the revolving plug's rotation while minimizing the volume occupied, thereby maximizing the remaining space available for housing electronic components such as sensors, logic units, and power supply circuits.
3Reliability
If the lock cylinder is made robust to resist tampering, then security is improved, but the installation complexity increases due to power supply requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by incorporating a battery-powered system that operates autonomously without requiring external electrical infrastructure. The battery housed within the lock cylinder provides self-contained power supply to all electronic components, enabling the lock to function independently and simplifying installation in doors that lack existing electrical wiring.
Data Source
AI summary
A lock cylinder is provided adapted to be installed in a lock comprising a lock bolt for driving the lock bolt. Said lock cylinder comprises a cylinder housing, and a revolving plug comprising a rotor element adapted to rotate with respect to the cylinder housing about a rotation axis within a rotation support, and a driving tooth for the lock bolt comprising an engage portion adapted to engage the lock bolt, said driving tooth being rotatable about the rotation axis together with the rotor element and being coupled to the rotor element in such a way the operative distance between the engage portion of the driving tooth and the rotation axis varies, while rotating about the rotation axis, as a function of the rotation angle of the rotor element with respect to the cylinder housing. When the lock cylinder is installed in the lock, said operative distance has one among a plurality of first values when the rotation angle of the rotor element belongs to a first angular interval corresponding to a position of the engage portion of the driving tooth that is proximal to the lock bolt; and said operative distance has one among a plurality of second values when the rotation angle belongs to a second angular interval corresponding to a position of the engage portion of the driving tooth that is distal to the lock bolt, each of said first values being higher than each of said second values. When the lock cylinder is installed in the lock, the lock cylinder is located below the lock bolt along a first direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis. the driving tooth is slidingly housed within a seat which is radially provided in the rotor element and which defines at least one side opening of the rotor element perpendicular to the rotation axis. The driving tooth is provided with at least one engage element which protrudes from a side opening along a direction parallel to the rotation axis, and adapted to slidingly engage guide profiles provided on the rotation support, said guide profiles defining for said at least one engage element an overall guide profile having an eccentric shape arranged to support from below along said first direction said at least one engage element when the rotation angle of the rotor element belongs to both the first angular interval and to the second angular interval, said overall guide profile being adapted to cause said variation of the operative distance as a function of the rotation angle of the rotor element with respect to the cylinder housing.