Locking Cylinder Sequential Key Extraction Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices require high extraction force to remove a key due to simultaneous activation of all blocking elements, which increases static friction and makes key removal difficult.
Innovation Solution
The design introduces variability in the pairings of locking recesses and blocking elements by varying their inclinations and distances, allowing sequential activation and reducing the extraction force by ensuring different blocking elements are activated at different times and with different accelerations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all blocking elements are activated simultaneously by the key, then the locking security is improved, but the extraction force required to remove the key increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the simultaneous activation process into sequential activation of blocking elements. By varying the distances between blocking elements and their corresponding locking recesses, the key activates blocking elements one after another during insertion and removal, rather than all at once. This segmentation reduces the total extraction force needed while maintaining security through controlled sequential engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating non-uniform spacing between blocking elements and their corresponding locking recesses. Each pairing has unique distance characteristics, causing different local activation sequences. This local variation in spacing ensures that blocking elements are activated and deactivated in a specific sequence, reducing the peak extraction force while maintaining overall locking reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the distances between blocking elements are made equal, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the extraction force increases due to simultaneous activation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces local quality variations in the spacing between blocking elements. Instead of uniform distances, each blocking element is positioned at a specific non-uniform distance from its neighbors and corresponding locking recesses. This local variation in spacing creates the sequential activation effect needed to reduce extraction force, while the overall pattern can still be manufactured using standard precision machining processes.
3Ease of manufacture
If all blocking elements have the same dimensions, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the key cannot be easily removed due to uniform friction across all elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the blocking elements into distinct units with different positioning characteristics. By varying the distances between blocking elements and their corresponding locking recesses, each element operates semi-independently during key removal. This segmentation allows the key to overcome friction with blocking elements sequentially rather than simultaneously, making key removal easier while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized element designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial parameters (distances) between blocking elements and locking recesses while keeping the blocking elements themselves standardized. This parameter variation in positioning creates the sequential activation effect that reduces extraction force, while the blocking elements themselves can be manufactured using the same process, maintaining ease of manufacture.
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
This approach significantly lowers the required extraction force by ensuring that blocking elements are moved sequentially, reducing the overall withdrawal force when the key is fully inserted into the lock cylinder.
Implementation Method 1
the removal of the key from the lock cylinder is prevented by a high extraction force, because all static friction of the individual blocking elements must be released at the same time
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
In a locking device with a key (6) and a cylinder (1), pairs of locking recesses (9a - 9e) and locking elements (7a - 7e) have different distances from each other or inclinations. This means that the locking elements (7a - 7e) are actuated differently when the key (6) is removed from the cylinder (1). As a result, the key (1) encounters only a small removal force.