Lock Insert Key Retention Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locks often remain unlocked after the key is removed, leading to unwanted entry into secured areas such as cabinets, vehicles, and buildings, as they do not effectively retain the key in the unlocked position.
Innovation Solution
A lock insert is designed to retain a key within various types of locks, such as push locks and cylinder locks, until the lock is actuated to a locked position, using asymmetrical and symmetrical cross-sectional shapes to secure the key in the unlocked position and release it when the lock is locked, thereby motivating users to lock the device before removing the key.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional locks are used without a lock insert, then the lock can be easily opened and the key can be removed freely, but the lock cannot retain the key in the unlocked position, leading to security risks
Solution Approach 1:
A lock insert is introduced as an intermediary component between the lock housing and the key. This insert includes a retention feature that physically blocks the key from being removed when the lock is in the unlocked position, thereby enabling key retention without interfering with the normal locking and unlocking operations
Solution Approach 2:
The lock insert employs asymmetrical geometry where the retention feature is configured to block key removal in the unlocked position but allows key removal when the lock is engaged. The asymmetrical shape of the retention feature interacts with corresponding features on the key and housing to provide directional control over key removal based on lock state
2Reliability
If a lock insert with key retention feature is added, then the key can be retained in the unlocked position to prevent unauthorized access, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the housing, the lock mechanism, and the separately installable lock insert. This segmentation allows the retention feature to be added as a modular component rather than redesigning the entire lock assembly, thereby minimizing the increase in overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The lock insert is designed to be universally applicable to various lock types and configurations. The insert can be installed in different housing configurations and works with standard key formats, providing multi-functional key retention capability across different lock applications without requiring custom designs for each lock type
3Reliability
If the lock insert uses asymmetrical inner cross-sectional shape, then the key retention in unlocked position is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetrical precision requirements are localized only to the critical retention interface between the lock insert and the key. Other portions of the lock insert can use simpler, more easily manufactured geometries. This local quality approach concentrates manufacturing precision requirements only where absolutely necessary for key retention functionality
Data Source
AI summary
Certain embodiments described herein are directed to lock inserts that are configured to prevent removal of a key from a lock assembly comprising the lock insert when the lock assembly is in an unlocked position. The lock insert can be configured to permit removal of the key when the lock assembly is in a locked position.