Lock Insert Grooves for Cylinder Lock Radial Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric switch locking systems require different cylinder locks and structural embodiments for stand-alone and interlocking use situations, leading to increased costs and reduced flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A lock insert with a receiving opening and grooves that allows radial movement of locking elements, enabling the same cylinder lock to be used for both locking and interlocking scenarios by varying the number of grooves, allowing for cost-effective and flexible locking solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different cylinder locks are used for stand-alone and interlocking use situations, then the locking functionality is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lock insert is designed with a receiving opening that can accommodate a standard cylinder lock while providing different locking behaviors through groove configuration. The same physical lock insert structure serves both stand-alone and interlocking applications by varying only the groove pattern, eliminating the need for completely different lock mechanisms for each application type.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock insert is divided into functional segments: the receiving opening for the cylinder lock and the groove features that provide interlocking capability. This segmentation allows the groove features to be selectively activated or deactivated depending on the application, enabling a single lock insert design to fulfill multiple locking requirements without requiring entirely separate lock systems.
2Reliability
If different structural embodiments are used for different locking scenarios, then the specific locking requirement is met, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single lock insert design with variable groove configurations replaces the need for multiple specialized lock insert designs. This universal design approach reduces tooling costs, simplifies inventory management, and lowers manufacturing complexity while still meeting different locking requirements through groove pattern variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove configuration parameters (number, position, and arrangement of grooves) are varied to achieve different locking behaviors. By changing these geometric parameters rather than the overall structure, the same basic lock insert can be manufactured using similar processes while adapting to different application requirements, thereby reducing manufacturing cost.
3Reliability
If multiple cylinder lock variants are maintained, then different use situations are covered, but the adaptability and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lock insert with variable groove configurations provides a universal solution that adapts to both stand-alone and interlocking use situations. This single design approach enhances flexibility by allowing the same physical component to serve multiple purposes, rather than requiring separate specialized locks for each application type.
Data Source
AI summary
A lock insert for a cylinder lock is disclosed for locking an electric switch, including a main part with an opening for receiving the cylinder lock. In an embodiment, the inner wall of the opening is designed to at least partially contact an outer wall of the cylinder lock, and in the inner wall at least one slot is formed to allow freedom of radial movement of locking elements in the cylinder lock, the positions of which correspond to a locked position of the cylinder lock.