Locking Device Slide Element for One-Handed Key Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing key locking devices require two hands to release the key from the lock cylinder, making it cumbersome and inconvenient for single-handed operation.
Innovation Solution
The locking device features a slide element that can be moved in both directions along its axis, allowing ergonomic operation from either side, enabling the key to be removed with either hand by interacting with the blocking element tangentially to the lock cylinder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the blocking element is guided in a lifting axis perpendicular to the lock cylinder axis, then the blocking element can effectively latch the key, but the operation becomes cumbersome requiring two hands
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is guided in a lifting axis that runs radially to the lock cylinder axis, creating a perpendicular relationship between the blocking element's movement direction and the lock cylinder axis. This dimensional arrangement allows the blocking element to effectively latch the key while enabling ergonomic operation from the side of the lock cylinder.
Solution Approach 2:
An operating tab is provided on the blocking element that extends laterally outward from the lifting axis, serving as an intermediary between the user's finger and the blocking element. This tab allows the user to move the blocking element along the lifting axis by applying force at a convenient lateral position, enabling one-handed operation while maintaining effective key latching.
2Ease of operation
If the blocking element is moved away from the lock cylinder axis against spring force, then the key can be released, but it requires two hands to grip the key and move the blocking element
Solution Approach 1:
The operating tab serves as a mechanical intermediary that the user manipulates to move the blocking element against spring force. By providing this lateral extension, the design allows the user to apply force at a convenient position rather than directly on the blocking element, simplifying the operation to a single hand while maintaining the spring-loaded release mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element automatically returns the blocking element to its latching position after manual actuation, eliminating the need for the user to manually reset the mechanism. The system serves itself by using the spring force to maintain the blocking element in the ready-to-latch position, reducing operational complexity.
Data Source
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Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a locking device (1) for locking a key (10) on a lock cylinder (11), said locking device (1) being designed for being arranged on the lock cylinder (11) and extending around a lock cylinder axis (12). A blocking element (17) is provided, said blocking element being engageable with the key (10) to lock the key (10) in the key removal position. According to the invention, the locking device (1) has a sliding element (13) which is movable in a transversal and spaced manner with respect to the locking cylinder axis (12) and which interacts with the blocking element (17) when manually pressed in a tangential direction with respect to the lock cylinder (11) such that the key (10) can be disengaged.