Tubular Lock Spindle Axial Passage Anti-Picking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lock devices are vulnerable to unauthorized opening using plastic barrels from pens, as these can be molded to fit and turn tubular locks, lacking effective deterrents against such picking methods.

Innovation Solution

A lock device with a locking spindle and driver structure featuring combination and driver pins, along with an elongated passage that receives the key's extended portion, forming a shear line interface, preventing unauthorized tubular structures from fully rotating the locking spindle by maintaining driver pins on one side of the shear line.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional tubular lock without a passage is used, then the lock structure is simpler, but the lock is vulnerable to unauthorized opening using molded plastic barrels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against lock pickingVSAvoidlock structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock device is segmented into distinct functional zones: a passage extending axially through the locking spindle, combination pins in locking spindle bores, and driver pins in driver structure bores. This segmentation creates multiple independent security mechanisms that work together to prevent unauthorized opening while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The passage acts as an intermediary element that receives the key's extended portion and transmits rotational force to the locking spindle. The passage's presence prevents unauthorized tubular structures from fully rotating the locking spindle by maintaining driver pins on one side of the shear line, thus mediating between the key and the locking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a passage is added to the locking spindle to receive the key's extended portion, then security against unauthorized opening is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against lock pickingVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The locking spindle is manufactured as a segmented component with a continuous axial passage running through it. This passage is integrated into the spindle's structure during manufacturing, allowing the key's extended portion to pass through and engage with the driver structure while maintaining a straightforward manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The passage serves multiple functions: it guides the key's extended portion into proper alignment, transmits rotational force from the key to the locking spindle, and prevents unauthorized tubular structures from fully rotating the spindle. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby simplifying manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If driver pins are positioned across the shear line, then the locking mechanism is more secure, but unauthorized tubular structures can still fully rotate the locking spindle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking securityVSAvoidvulnerability to unauthorized opening
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The passage acts as a mediating structure that selectively allows the key's extended portion to pass through while blocking unauthorized tubular structures. When the key is inserted, its extended portion fills the passage and enables the driver pins to be positioned across the shear line for secure locking. Unauthorized structures cannot fill the passage completely, preventing full rotation even if driver pins are positioned across the shear line.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The shear line interface between the driver structure and locking spindle is designed with specific local qualities: driver pins are positioned relative to the shear line in a controlled manner, and the passage's dimensions and positioning are optimized to ensure that only authorized keys can position the driver pins correctly across the shear line while preventing unauthorized rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP1960620B1Locking device with passage
Publication Date: 2018.04.25 ACCO BRANDS CORP
  • EP1960620B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1960620B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1960620B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

A lock device for use with a key is disclosed. The lock device includes a locking spindle including a plurality of locking spindle bores and a passage extending axially along an axial length of the locking spindle, and a driver structure including a plurality of driver structure bores. An interface between the driver structure and the locking spindle forms a shear line. The lock device also includes a plurality of combination pins in the plurality of locking spindle bores, and a plurality of driver pins in the driver structure bores in the driver structure, the plurality of driver pins being respectively associated with the plurality of combination pins.