Lock Key System Worm Element Core Pin Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lock-key systems are vulnerable to manipulation and copying due to the requirement for precise alignment of key notches and tumblers, and existing security measures are either costly or inadequate in protecting against tampering.
Innovation Solution
A lock-key system with a rotatably mounted cylinder core featuring a worm element and cooperating tooth element, where the worm element rotates to engage with spring-loaded core pins, which have recesses for radially displaceable locking elements, preventing core rotation if an incorrect key is inserted by seating locking balls in labyrinth grooves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional lock tumblers are arranged to be displaced by key notches for alignment, then the lock can be operated with a matching key, but the system becomes vulnerable to manipulation with suitable tools
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple independent components: core pins with recesses, separate locking elements (balls), and a worm element with toothed element. These segments work together but can be manipulated independently, creating a more secure system where tools cannot easily replicate the exact sequence and combination of actions required.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are arranged in three-dimensional space with core pins positioned at different locations and depths. The locking balls move in radial directions through labyrinth grooves, adding a spatial dimension to the locking mechanism that goes beyond simple linear tumbler alignment, making manipulation more difficult.
2Reliability
If core pins are used with recesses for locking elements, then protection against tampering is increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The core pins combine multiple functions: they guide the locking balls through their recesses and labyrinth grooves, provide spring-loaded movement for automatic engagement and disengagement, and position the locking elements radially. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate guiding mechanisms, springs, and positioning structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded core pins automatically engage the locking balls when the correct key is inserted and rotate the worm element, and automatically disengage and reset the locking balls when the key is removed or an incorrect key is used. The system serves itself by using the key's insertion and removal actions to drive the locking and unlocking sequences without additional actuators.
3Reliability
If locking elements are arranged radially across the separating plane, then picking security is increased, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The core pins are pre-positioned with their recesses and labyrinth grooves formed during manufacturing. The locking balls are pre-loaded into the cylinder housing and held in place by the core pins' spring pressure. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the key is inserted, the locking mechanism is already primed and requires only the rotational action to engage or disengage, simplifying the operational sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex radial arrangement of locking elements is replaced by using the key's own longitudinal profile and rotation to directly drive the worm element, which in turn rotates the core pins. This substitutes a potentially complex system of radial levers and cam mechanisms with a simpler rotational drive transmitted through the worm-toothed element engagement.
Data Source
Figure 1~3b
AI summary
2.1. The invention relates to a lock-key system comprising a lock cylinder in whose cylinder housing (2) a cylinder core (3) is rotatably mounted, the cylinder core having a keyway for inserting a flat or reversible key (1) which is provided with longitudinal profiling on the side surfaces of the key shaft. 2.2.In this arrangement, a worm element (4) mounted on an axis (13) aligned in the longitudinal direction of the key shaft is arranged in a milled recess. When the key is inserted into the keyway, the worm element can be rotated about the axis, and the rotation can be transferred to a tooth element cooperating with the worm element. This tooth element engages with two core pins (5, 6) that are displaceable parallel to the keyway on both sides of it in opposite directions. Each core pin (5, 6) has a recess (7) that receives the rear end of radially displaceable locking elements (8) when the worm element (4) and tooth element are rotated by a suitable key. When the key is not a suitable key, the locking elements (8) can be moved radially across the parting line between the cylinder core and the cylinder housing by the core pins (5, 6) into recesses (9) in the cylinder housing (1).