Cylinder Lock Key Ring Mechanism Against Unauthorized Duplication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cylinder lock systems lack sufficient security against unauthorized duplication and burglary attempts, particularly in cylinder locks with traditional blocking pins that can be compromised by notches on unauthorized keys.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a mobile ring with a groove on the key, engaging with fixed and sliding pins in the cylinder, sets a unique distance that cannot be bypassed by notches, ensuring proper alignment and rotation of the cylinder, thereby enhancing security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional blocking pins are used in cylinder locks, then the locking mechanism is simple and easy to manufacture, but the security against unauthorized duplication and burglary is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against unauthorized duplicationVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking system is segmented into multiple independent components: a first blocking pin, a second blocking pin, and a mobile ring with groove. Each component performs a specific function, and their coordinated interaction creates a multi-layered security mechanism that is more resistant to unauthorized duplication while maintaining reasonable manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile ring with groove acts as an intermediary element between the two blocking pins. It mediates their relative positioning and ensures they are set at the correct distance from each other. This intermediary component adds security by creating an additional layer that must be correctly positioned, while the ring's mobility during insertion simplifies the overall mechanism compared to rigid fixed-position systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a mobile ring with groove is added to the key, then security against notches and unauthorized keys is enhanced, but the key and locking system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against burglary attemptsVSAvoidkey configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ring is designed to be mobile during key insertion, allowing it to move freely as the key enters the cylinder. Once inserted, the ring's position is determined by engagement with the two blocking pins, which set it at a specific distance between them. This dynamic characteristic during insertion simplifies the mechanism compared to rigid fixed-position systems, while the final positioned state provides enhanced security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile ring with groove is nested on the key body, creating a compact integrated structure. The ring engages with the blocking pins within the cylinder while remaining attached to the key, forming a nested configuration that enhances security without significantly increasing the overall size or complexity of the key system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP4722477A1Safety lock and key for operating the same
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 MOTTURA SERRATURE DI SICUREZZA SPA
  • EP4722477A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4722477A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4722477A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Described herein is a key for operating a cylinder lock. The lock (10) is of the type comprising: - a lock body or stator (2), and - a cylinder or rotor (4), rotatably mounted in the lock body (2) and having a passage (8) for introduction of said key (100), wherein in said cylinder (4) a first pin (16) is slidably mounted in a first cavity that gives out onto said passage (8) on a first side; and a second pin (18) is mounted in a second cavity that gives out onto said passage (8) on a second side opposite to said first side. The key is of the type comprising a body (104), mounted on which is a ring (30), which is mobile with its own axis with respect to the body of the key, and is designed, when said key is inserted into said passage (8), to be engaged on diametrally opposite points by said first pin (16) and said second pin (18) in said cylinder. The key is characterized in that it presents improved cipher means.