Lock Key Recess Holding Sections Simplify Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing key manufacturing processes for lock cylinders are complex and costly due to the need for precise positioning and fixing of movable elements, requiring multiple intricate steps and high precision in bore formation and shaft insertion.
Innovation Solution
A key design with a recess having holding sections on each broad side face, where the movable elements are secured by the recess's dimensions, allowing for simpler manufacturing by omitting the shaft and reducing the number of manufacturing steps, while maintaining security through restricted movement perpendicular to the key's broad side faces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a shaft and movable elements are used in the key, then security against unauthorized unlocking is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the shaft component from the key structure. Instead of using a shaft with movable elements mounted on it, the patent uses movable elements that are directly inserted into and secured within recesses in the key body. This extraction of the shaft simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining the security function through alternative means (the holding sections in the recesses).
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of mounting movable elements on a shaft that passes through the key, the invention inverts the approach by having movable elements inserted into recesses that are part of the key body itself. The holding sections are formed by deforming the key material inward to create retaining features, rather than using a separate shaft component to hold the elements.
2Reliability
If precise positioning and fixing of movable elements is implemented, then security is improved, but manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The holding sections are formed during the key manufacturing process itself, before the movable elements are inserted. The key body is deformed to create the holding sections that will later secure the movable elements. This preliminary action eliminates the need for separate positioning and fixing operations, streamlining the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of the key body, the positioning structure, and the fixing mechanism into a single integrated structure. The recesses with holding sections are formed directly in the key body, combining what would traditionally be separate components (key, shaft, mounting features) into one piece, thereby simplifying manufacturing.
3Manufacturing precision
If high precision bore formation and shaft insertion is required, then movable elements can be securely positioned, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the permanent, precision-critical shaft component with a simpler key body structure where the holding sections are formed by controlled deformation. This approach uses a more forgiving manufacturing process that does not require the same level of precision as traditional shaft insertion and fixing methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the manufacturing parameters from high-precision drilling and insertion operations to controlled deformation processes. The holding sections are created by deforming the key material inward, which is a more tolerant process that does not require the same precision as bore formation and shaft insertion, thereby easing manufacturing while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Data Source
Figure 1A~2A
Figure 1B~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a key (10) for a lock cylinder (76), wherein the key (10) has a key shaft (14) extending along a longitudinal direction (16) with two key broad sides (18, 18'), wherein the key shaft (14) has a recess (32) through the key broad sides (18, 18'), wherein at least two movable elements (28, 30) are arranged side by side in the recess (32) in a first spatial direction (38) which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (16) and parallel to the key broad sides (18, 18'), characterized in that the key (10) has at least one retaining section (33, 34) on each of the key broad sides (18, 18') which extends into the recess (32), wherein the recess (32) extends into a second spatial direction (40) which is parallel to the Key broadside surfaces (18, 18') run, in the area of the holding sections (33,34) is smaller than a maximum extension of the at least two movable elements (28, 30) in the second spatial direction (40). Furthermore, the invention relates to a locking device (74) with a key (10) and a locking cylinder (76). The invention also relates to a method (122) for manufacturing a key (10) for a locking device (74).