Lock Key with Irregular Sinuous Channel for Anti-Copying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock systems are vulnerable to fraudulent copying and forced opening due to fixed and known positions of key cuts, allowing techniques like 'bumping' to successfully open cylinders, and current anti-copying solutions are difficult to implement, expensive, and prone to malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A lock key and cylinder design featuring an irregular sinuous channel with variable width and depth, off-centre combination indentations, and a drive track that allows for multiple potential operative indentations, making it impossible to determine the exact position of the combination cut, thereby preventing reliable data for falsifying the key and enhancing security against copying and forcing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed and known positions of key cuts are used, then key manufacturing is simple and reliable, but fraudulent copying and bumping become possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by making the key cuts non-aligned and irregular in position rather than fixed and symmetric. The cuts are positioned at varying angles and depths, creating an asymmetric pattern that cannot be replicated through conventional copying methods like bumping, thereby enhancing security while maintaining manufacturability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elements by allowing the key cuts to be positioned at variable angles and depths rather than fixed positions. This dynamic configuration means that even if an attacker observes one key, they cannot determine the exact position of cuts on another key, preventing reliable fraudulent copying
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple potential operative indentations are provided, then combination and master keying capabilities are increased, but the complexity of determining the exact combination position increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by providing multiple potential operative indentations that can serve different functions. Each key can operate with multiple indentations, enabling both combination locking and master keying capabilities through the same structural element, thereby increasing versatility without requiring separate mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the irregular sinuous channel as an intermediary element that connects multiple potential indentations. This channel guides the pin through a variable path, allowing the pin to engage with different indentations based on the key's orientation and position, thereby mediating between the multiple possible combinations and the mechanical interaction
3Reliability
If irregular sinuous channel with variable width and depth is cut, then key reproduction becomes impossible with conventional tools, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the width, depth, and orientation of the sinuous channel throughout its length. These continuous changes in geometric parameters create an irregular pattern that cannot be replicated by conventional copying tools, enhancing security while the channel remains manufacturable using standard machining processes
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 2~5
AI summary
Provided is a lock key with combination indentations difficult to reproduce fraudulently. Into the blade (10) of the key an irregular sinuous channel (11) is cut with respect to the median plane (15a) of pins (8) in a lock cylinder, this channel (11) in each transversal section has a variable width and, at least, a variable depth of independent size between them, the irregular sinuous channel (11) of which has a plurality of combination indentations (12) cut at the bottom with a dimension which is a combined function of a plurality of pre-determined combination parameters, master keying parameters, parameters of transition between longitudinally successive combination indentations (12) and parameters of masking a combination indentation (12) with another non-combination indentation (12c) but capable of being interpreted as a combination indentation (12).