Modular Lock Interlocking Mechanism for Cylinder Core Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lock industry faces challenges in reducing costs while maintaining security and modularity in lock devices, particularly in electronic or electro-mechanical locks, where existing solutions fail to efficiently decouple the cylinder core from the tailpiece without compromising security when an incorrect key is inserted.
Innovation Solution
A modular lock device design featuring an interlocking mechanism between the cylinder core and tailpiece, utilizing axially movable parts and an adapter with flanges and a beveled end surface, which allows for free-turning rotation without transferring forces to the actuator, enabling cost reduction and secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a blocking mechanism is provided to prevent turning of the cylinder core with an incorrect key, then security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock device is divided into separate functional modules: a cylinder core for key insertion, a tailpiece for actuating the locking mechanism, and an interconnection means with axially movable parts. This segmentation allows the blocking function to be achieved through the interaction of simple modular components rather than a complex integrated blocking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
An interconnection means with axially movable parts acts as an intermediary between the cylinder core and tailpiece. This intermediary component enables the blocking function by controlling the coupling between the two main parts, simplifying the overall design compared to direct blocking mechanisms.
2Reliability
If the cylinder core is decoupled from the tailpiece to allow free rotation with incorrect key, then security is improved by preventing wrenching, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnection means incorporates axially movable parts that can dynamically change their coupling state. The movable parts can shift between engaged and disengaged positions, enabling the system to transition between locked and free-turning states based on whether the correct key is inserted, without requiring complex switching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The decoupling function is achieved through segmented modular components (cylinder core, interconnection means with movable parts, tailpiece) that can independently function. This modularity simplifies the design compared to integrated systems that would require complex mechanisms to achieve the same decoupling effect.
3Ease of manufacture
If the forces on the interconnection means are not transferred to the actuator, then the actuator can be dimensioned for small forces decreasing size and cost, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force transmission path is extracted from the actuator by introducing an alternative force path through the interconnection means with movable parts. The blocking and unblocking forces are transmitted through the movable parts' axial movement rather than through the actuator, allowing the actuator to be sized for much smaller forces and reducing its cost and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The interconnection means with movable parts serves as an intermediary that handles force transmission separately from the actuator. This intermediary structure absorbs the mechanical stresses of blocking and unblocking operations, protecting the actuator from high forces and enabling the use of smaller, less expensive actuators.
Data Source
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AI summary
A lock device comprises an interlocking means comprising two axially movable parts (61, 62) interconnecting a cylinder core (20) and an extension (40, 50) so that free-turning operation is provided in one mode of operation and the extension rotates with the cylinder core in another operational mode.