Lock Assembly Rekeying via Wedge Rack Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional lock assemblies are not versatile and require a specific tool for adjusting to fit different keys, making the process cumbersome and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A lock assembly design featuring a housing, lock cylinder, adjusting block, and rack assemblies with wedge elements and resilient members, allowing for quick adjustment to accommodate different keys without the need for external tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional lock assembly uses a fixed lock cylinder for a specific key, then the lock structure is simple, but the lock cannot fit with different keys and requires replacing the entire lock cylinder
Solution Approach 1:
The lock cylinder is divided into functional modules: a stationary body, a movable carrier with racks, and adjustable pins. This segmentation allows the pin positions to be reconfigured for different keys while keeping the overall lock structure intact, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock assembly incorporates movable components including the carrier that can slide axially and racks that can move radially. These dynamic elements enable the pin positions to be adjusted and reconfigured, allowing the same lock to accommodate different key patterns without replacing the entire cylinder.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rekeyable lock assembly is designed to fit different keys, then the lock becomes versatile, but a specific external tool is required for adjustment which makes the process troublesome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The lock assembly includes an inherent adjusting tool integrated into the carrier structure that can be operated directly through the keyhole. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external specialized tools, allowing users to perform key adjustments conveniently and quickly by simply manipulating the existing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier assembly serves multiple functions: it holds the pins, provides the adjusting mechanism, and enables both locking and rekeying operations. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate tools and operations into a single integrated system that is easy to operate.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a rekeyable lock assembly is designed to fit different keys, then the lock becomes versatile, but the adjustment process is time-consuming requiring multiple steps with external tools
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier and racks are pre-configured with adjustable elements that can be quickly repositioned. The inherent adjusting tool is designed to enable rapid movement of the carrier and racks to new positions, significantly reducing the time required for rekeying compared to traditional methods that require multiple precise manual adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting mechanism allows for rapid repositioning of the carrier and racks in a single operational sequence rather than requiring multiple incremental adjustments. This enables the rekeying process to be completed quickly by skipping through the adjustment steps efficiently using the integrated tool.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables convenient and rapid key changes, enhancing the versatility of the lock assembly by allowing it to fit various keys without requiring any additional tools, thus simplifying the adjustment process.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member arranged between the rack element and the adjusting base
Data Source
AI summary
A lock assembly has a housing, a lock cylinder, an adjusting block and multiple rack assemblies. The adjusting block is slidably received in the lock cylinder and has a wedge side facing the lock cylinder and a plurality of first wedge elements formed on the wedge side. The rack assemblies are slidably received respectively in the lock cylinder. Each rack assembly has a rack element, an adjusting base and a resilient member arranged between the rack element and the adjusting base. Each rack element and each adjusting base have a plurality teeth formed thereon and detachably engaged each other respectively. Each rack element has a second wedge element that is selectively engaged or disengaged from one of the first wedge elements on the adjusting block.