Lock and Key with Single Row of Varying Length Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock and key combinations are complex and expensive to manufacture, limiting the number of code combinations due to the need for two adjacent rows of locking tumblers.
Innovation Solution
A lock and key combination that utilizes a single row of locking pins with short and long pins, where the short pins cooperate with a code pattern at the upper edge and long pins with a code pattern at the lower massive portion of the key blade, allowing for a large number of code combinations by using the full vertical extension of the key blade.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two adjacent rows of locking tumblers are used to cooperate with code patterns on the key blade, then the number of code combinations is increased, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal arrangement of locking tumblers (two adjacent rows) to a vertical arrangement (single row with varying lengths). By utilizing the vertical dimension of the key blade, the system achieves multiple code levels (typically 5-10 levels) within a single row, thereby increasing code combinations without requiring multiple rows of tumblers. This dimensional shift simplifies the overall structure while maintaining or enhancing coding capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking tumblers are designed with different local qualities - specifically, different lengths. Each tumbler's length is tailored to its specific position and function within the code structure. This differentiation in local properties (length) allows a single row of tumblers to encode multiple levels of information, replacing the need for multiple uniform rows and reducing manufacturing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two adjacent rows of locking tumblers are used to cooperate with code patterns on the key blade, then the number of code combinations is increased, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of two adjacent rows of locking tumblers into a single row by utilizing vertical stacking of code levels. The single row of tumblers with different lengths performs the coding function that previously required two separate rows, thereby reducing the total number of parts, simplifying assembly, and lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the same or greater number of code combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
Each tumbler in the single row serves multiple functions based on its length - it can represent different code levels at different vertical positions. This multi-functionality allows a single tumbler to contribute to multiple code levels, replacing what previously required multiple dedicated tumblers in adjacent rows, thus reducing overall component count and manufacturing expense.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the full vertical extension of the key blade is utilized for code patterns, then the number of code combinations is significantly increased, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits the vertical dimension of the key blade to create multiple code levels (typically 5-10 levels) within a single row of locking tumblers. By arranging code patterns vertically from the lower edge to the upper edge of the key blade and using tumblers of varying lengths to engage with these levels, the system maximizes the use of vertical space to increase code combinations without adding horizontal complexity or multiple rows of tumblers.
Data Source
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AI summary
A lock and key combination is disclosed, offering a large number of codes. The combination includes a lock (200) of the kind comprising a housing having a cylindrical bore, a cylindrical key plug (202) and a number of locking pins (205a-205g) in a row along a key plug axis for locking the key plug against rotation in the cylindrical bore, and a key (100) of the kind comprising a longitudinally extending, substantially flat key blade (102), with at least two longitudinally extending formations. The key blade comprises an upper edge portion having a first code pattern (103) and a lower, massive portion having a second code pattern (104). At least one of the locking pins in said row is a short pin (205a, 205b, 205c) comprising a first, relatively short key sensing part (207, 208) cooperating with the first code pattern (103), and at least another one of the locking pins in said row is a long pin (205f, 205g, 205h) comprising a second, relatively long key sensing part (210, 207, 208) cooperating with the second code pattern (104).