Lock Cylinder Key Sequential Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keys for lock cylinders require high extraction force due to simultaneous static friction release from all blocking elements, making key removal difficult.
Innovation Solution
Inconsistent angles of inclination and varying widths of flank contours in locking recesses allow sequential activation and release of blocking elements, reducing the removal force by varying the acceleration of each element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all locking elements have the same dimensions at their ends facing the locking recesses, then the key is held securely in the inserted state, but the removal force becomes high due to simultaneous static friction release
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the flank contours of locking recesses have different angles of inclination at different positions. Specifically, the angle of inclination varies along the depth of each locking recess, creating localized differences in friction characteristics. This allows different blocking elements to be released at different times during key removal, preventing simultaneous static friction release while maintaining secure holding when inserted.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by creating a non-constant angle of inclination for flank contours, which changes the friction characteristics dynamically during key insertion and removal. The varying angles cause blocking elements to engage and disengage at different stages, transforming the static simultaneous friction problem into a dynamic sequential release process that reduces removal force.
2Reliability
If locking elements are simultaneously activated by the key, then the lock provides secure locking, but the key removal requires high extraction force to overcome all static frictions at once
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the simultaneous blocking element activation into sequential activation by varying the angles of inclination of flank contours across different locking recesses. This segmentation causes blocking elements to be engaged and disengaged one after another rather than all at once, making key removal easier while maintaining secure locking during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the flank contour angles to create different friction characteristics for each blocking element. By making the angle of inclination non-constant and varying across locking recesses, the system changes the physical parameters that govern engagement and disengagement, enabling sequential operation that reduces removal force requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If the flank contours have constant angle of inclination, then the manufacturing is simple, but the removal force is high due to simultaneous release requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces local quality variations in the flank contour angles to differentiate between locking recesses. While this increases manufacturing complexity slightly, it enables sequential release of blocking elements, dramatically reducing removal force. The local variations can be implemented through standardized tooling with adjusted parameters or manual filing techniques.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A key (6) for a lock cylinder (1) with support surfaces (13a - 13e) for supporting locking lugs (7) of the lock cylinder (1) has different widths of the support surfaces (13a - 13e). The widths of the support surfaces (13a - 13e) increase along the row of locking recesses (9a - 9e). This ensures that the locking lugs (7) are actuated sequentially when the key is removed, and their static friction is overcome successively.