Locking Cylinder Knob Decoupling Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lock cylinders with electronic key mechanisms cannot be unlocked from the key channel side if the knob is mechanically blocked, and the electronic keys made of plastic can break under such conditions, posing a functional and durability issue.

Innovation Solution

The lock cylinder incorporates an electronically controlled blocking device with a movable ramp that enables or blocks the movement of the coupling element between basic and closed positions, allowing the knob to be decoupled from the locking bit when opened with a key, and a compact design featuring a displaceable sliding bolt and guide pin for simplified assembly and operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the knob is mechanically blocked, then the locking mechanism cannot be operated from the knob side, but the lock cylinder cannot be unlocked from the key channel side either and the electronic key may break

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunlocking reliabilityVSAvoidoperation from key channel
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is segmented into two independent operational paths: one through the knob with coupling element and cam, and another through the key channel with locking bit. The blocking device electronically controls the coupling between these segments, allowing the key channel to operate independently when the knob is blocked, ensuring unlocking reliability while maintaining operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If the coupling element is held in basic position by frictional connection, then the connection is maintained, but the coupling element cannot be tilted or moved when needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling stabilityVSAvoidcoupling element movement
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The purely mechanical frictional connection is replaced by an electronically controlled blocking device that uses signals from the key to control the movement of the coupling element. The ramp structure provides a controlled mechanical path that allows the coupling element to move between basic and closed positions based on electronic control, maintaining stability when needed while enabling movement when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If a complex actuator with frictional connection is used to control the coupling unit, then the connection can be maintained, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidactuator complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex actuator with frictional connection is extracted and replaced by a simpler electronic blocking device that controls the coupling element's movement. The blocking device receives electronic signals from the key and controls the ramp to guide the coupling element, eliminating the need for complex mechanical actuators while maintaining connection reliability through electronic control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Ease of operation

If the sliding bolt has large-diameter and small-diameter sections with ramp, then the coupling element control is simplified, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling element controlVSAvoidsliding bolt structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding bolt combines multiple functions into a single component: the large-diameter and small-diameter sections with the ramp surface are integrated into one piece that both guides and controls the coupling element. This merging of functions simplifies the control mechanism while the modular design allows straightforward assembly, balancing ease of operation with acceptable device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2674553B1Locking cylinder
Publication Date: 2018.10.31 WINKHAUS
  • EP2674553B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2674553B1 patent drawingFigure 2~5

AI summary

The cylinder lock has main portion (1) that is provided with close channel (3) whose specific side is provided with knob (2), while other side is provided with key insertion hole. The knob is connected to knob axle (4) via knob-side core portion (5), and the close channel is provided with channel-side core portion (6). The core portions are coupled to close beard adapter (7) having locking portion (8). The knob is rotated to different positions so that the close beard adapter having locking portion is rotated so as to lock or unlock the cylinder.