Locking Cylinder Core Dynamics and Electromagnetic Clutch
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock cylinders with fixed core positions require significant effort to secure against rotation and manipulation, particularly in purely electronic systems, where designs face challenges in protecting against core pulling and ensuring secure key operation.
Innovation Solution
A lock cylinder design featuring a rotatably mounted cylinder core with an electric drive activated by a key, which establishes a torque-proof connection between the core and output through a conical slide mechanism, utilizing ball elements for positive locking and an electromagnet to facilitate coupling, along with evaluation electronics for key code verification and energy supply either in the cylinder housing or the key.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed core position is chosen in purely electronic cylinders, then the core position stability is improved, but the effort required to secure against rotation increases significantly (up to 30Nm according to DIN 1303)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a fixed core position to a freely rotatable core position that becomes fixed only after authentication. The core can rotate freely during insertion and removal, but locks into a fixed position when authenticated, dynamically adapting the stability characteristic to the operational phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical securing mechanism (requiring up to 30Nm of securing effort) with an electromagnetic clutch system. The clutch uses electromagnetic forces to establish the torque-proof connection between the core and output, eliminating the need for complex mechanical anti-rotation securing structures.
2Ease of operation
If a freely rotating cylinder core is implemented, then the ease of key operation is improved, but the protection against manipulation and core pulling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The core transitions from a permanently fixed position to a freely rotatable position that becomes fixed only after authentication. This dynamic behavior allows easy key insertion/removal while maintaining security during the locked state, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and manipulation protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic clutch acts as an intermediary between the freely rotating core and the output. It allows the core to rotate freely during unauthorized operations while establishing a torque-proof connection only when authenticated, mediating between the conflicting requirements of freedom of rotation and security.
3Reliability
If a torque-proof connection is established between core and output, then the protection against core pulling is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical torque-proof connection mechanisms with an electromagnetic clutch system. The clutch uses electromagnetic forces to establish the torque-proof connection, eliminating the need for complex mechanical interlocking structures while maintaining protection against core pulling.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic clutch changes the torque transmission parameter dynamically - allowing free rotation during unauthorized operations and establishing high torque transmission only when authenticated. This parameter change enables torque-proof connection without permanent mechanical complexity.
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
The solution simplifies the lock cylinder structure, enhances protection against manipulation and core pulling, ensuring secure key operation while maintaining a high level of protection against unauthorized access and easy key removal.
Implementation Method 1
In a further embodiment, the drive can be an electromagnet which moves the conical slide between its two end positions.
Implementation Method 2
Furthermore, an embodiment is conceivable in which the balls are magnetic and thus constantly in contact with the magnetic output (locking bit ring).
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a lock cylinder with a cylinder core (7) rotatably mounted in the lock cylinder housing (3), which has a key-activated clutch that establishes the rotary connection between the cylinder core and an output. A core head (6) is rotatably arranged in the end face of the lock cylinder housing, and the cylinder core (7) is freely rotatable behind the core head (6). An electric drive (9) is provided in the cylinder core (7), by means of which coupling elements (11, 12) can be brought into a positive engagement with the output (5) to establish the rotary connection between the cylinder core (7) and the output (5). The electric drive (9) is activated by the key (1) inserted into the keyway, which also connects the core head (6) and the cylinder core (7) in a rotationally fixed manner.