Locking Cylinder Securing Element Vibration Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking cylinders with mechanical and electronic tumblers are vulnerable to external influences, such as vibrations, which can cause the locking element to disengage from the rotor, compromising security.

Innovation Solution

A locking cylinder design featuring a stator, rotor, and an electrically driven locking device with a locking pin and driver, where a securing element prevents the locking pin from displacing from the locking position to the release position without actuation, ensuring the locking pin remains in the locking position, enhancing security by preventing unwanted rotation of the rotor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a locking device with an electrically driven locking element is used, then the locking mechanism can be controlled electrically and operated conveniently, but the locking element can be displaced by external vibrations causing unauthorized unlocking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical control operationVSAvoidlocking position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The securing element is designed to preemptively counteract the harmful effect of vibrations before they can cause displacement. By providing a mechanical stop that prevents the locking element from moving in the unlocking direction, the system applies preliminary anti-action to neutralize the potential harmful vibration effects, thereby maintaining reliable locking despite external disturbances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Reliability

If a securing element is added to prevent displacement of the locking pin, then the security and reliability of the locking mechanism is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking position stabilityVSAvoidlocking device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The securing element is integrated into the existing locking device structure, merging the new security function with the existing components. The securing element works in conjunction with the driver and locking pin, combining multiple functions (locking, securing, and vibration resistance) into a unified system rather than adding completely separate mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the securing element prevents rotation about the second axis of rotation, then the locking position is secured against vibration-induced displacement, but the ease of operation may be reduced due to additional constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking position stabilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts its constraints based on the operational state. During authorized operation with the key, the locking element can rotate freely to engage or disengage. However, when vibrations occur during the locked state, the securing element activates to prevent unwanted rotation. This dynamic behavior ensures ease of operation during intended use while providing stability during unintended vibration events.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3677740B1Locking cylinder with blocking device
Publication Date: 2023.06.14 ASSA ABLOY (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP3677740B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP3677740B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP3677740B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A locking cylinder (1) comprises a stator (2), a rotor (3), and a locking device (4). The locking device (4) comprises a locking bolt (5, 5'), a driver (6), and a drive device (7) acting on the locking bolt (5, 5') via the driver (6). The locking bolt (5, 5') is linearly displaceable by the drive device (7) along a locking direction (S) into a locked position in which rotation of the rotor (3) is prevented, and along a release direction (F) opposite to the locking direction (S) into a release position in which rotation of the rotor (3) is possible, and is rotatable about a second axis of rotation (D2). The locking device (4) further comprises at least one locking element (8) which is designed such that displacement of the locking bolt (5, 5') from the locked position to the release position is prevented when the drive device (7) is not actuated.