Lock Keyway Shaping Element for Unique Configurations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locks have a limited number of unique configurations, making it difficult to increase the variety of unique locks without complex modifications.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a keyway shaping element that is separate from the plug and immovable when the key shank is inserted, which redefines the keyway geometry, allowing for a larger number of unique lock configurations, including master and slave locks with specific key designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the lock uses a traditional plug with fixed keyway geometry, then the structure is simple, but the number of unique lock configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The keyway geometry is segmented into two independent components: the base plug with its initial keyway geometry, and separate keyway shaping elements that can be attached to the plug. This segmentation allows combinatorial variety - different shaping elements can be attached to the same plug to create different lock configurations, thereby increasing the number of unique locks without proportionally increasing overall structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The plug is designed as a universal base component that can accommodate multiple different keyway shaping elements. The plug structure includes features like attachment mechanisms (e.g., grooves, recesses) that allow various shaping elements to be mounted on the same plug, making the plug multi-functional and enabling a single plug design to support multiple unique lock configurations
2Reliability
If master and slave locks are created with different keyway geometries, then security is enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The differentiation between master and slave locks is achieved by attaching different keyway shaping elements to otherwise identical or similar plug bases. This segmentation allows the security-differentiating feature (keyway geometry) to be separated from the common structural features, enabling standardized mass production of plug bases and separate production of shaping elements, which can then be assembled through simpler processes
Solution Approach 2:
The plug base is pre-manufactured with standardized features (attachment mechanisms, basic keyway structure) that are common to both master and slave locks. The specific keyway geometry differentiation is then applied in a preliminary assembly step by attaching the appropriate shaping element, rather than requiring completely different plug manufacturing processes for master and slave locks
Data Source
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AI summary
The lock is configured to be operated by a key, which includes a key shank (71f), which at least in a part of its axial length includes a profile which is closed or semi-closed to define at least one cavity including a key coding. The lock includes a plug (20) for receiving the key shank. The plug is rotatable with respect to a housing in the unlocked state of the lock and includes a keyway (21), which is defined by a predetermined geometry. At least one keyway shaping element (16f) is provided, which is formed separate from the plug and is fixed to the plug such that it is immovable relative to the plug when the key shank is inserted into the plug. A protruding portion (17f) of the at least one keyway shaping element protrudes into the keyway to redefine its geometry.