Locking System Variation Ribs Parabolic Contour Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking systems with profile variations based on sine functions face stability issues due to steep flanks in the key insertion area, leading to potential bending of variation ribs and inefficiencies in mechanical permutation usage.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates variation ribs with a cross-sectional area defined by the peak region of sine amplitudes, featuring a parabolic contour that reduces flank steepness and improves stability, while using multiple sine functions with the same wavelength and differing amplitude parameters for optimal coding and production ease.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If variation ribs are designed with steep flanks to maximize mechanical permutation spectrum, then coding capacity is improved, but structural stability deteriorates causing ribs to bend during key insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the variation ribs - specifically transitioning from steep flanks to gentler slopes with increased base width. This changes the shape parameters while maintaining the coding functionality, allowing the ribs to provide structural support without bending during key insertion while still enabling sufficient mechanical permutation for secure locking systems.
2Productivity
If variation ribs are made thinner to increase coding density, then mechanical permutation efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to reduced stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the dimensional parameters of the variation ribs by increasing the base width and reducing the flank angle. This parameter modification allows for thicker, more stable ribs that are easier to manufacture with standard precision tolerances, while still maintaining adequate coding density for efficient mechanical permutation in the locking system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sine functions with different wavelength parameters are used to increase coding variety, then adaptability is improved, but production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a single wavelength parameter for the sine functions throughout the key profile, while introducing variety through different amplitude parameters and phase shifts at specific locations. This approach maintains production simplicity by standardizing the wavelength parameter, while still achieving adequate coding variety through localized variations in other parameters.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a profile variation on the flat keys or the key channels of the associated locking cylinders of a hierarchically structured locking system, in particular a master key or central locking system, wherein the broad sides (2, 3) of the key shafts (1) have variation grooves (10 to 19) and the key channels (8) of the locking cylinders have corresponding variation ribs (10 to 19), wherein the coding profile specification is defined by a plurality of sine functions (21 to 27) that determine the edge distances of the vertices (10' to 19') of the variation grooves (10 to 19) and their vertex heights, wherein the variation ribs (10 to 19) have a cross-section defined by the area of the peaks of the curve, and wherein all sine functions (21 to 27) defining the position of the vertices (10' to 19') of a broad side (2, 3) have the same zero line. (20, 20') possess which zero line (20, 20') with a distance (n),which is greater than half the material thickness (S) of the key shaft (1), lies outside the cross-sectional area of the key shaft (1) or the cross-sectional area of the key channel (8) from the key shaft center plane (M) or the key channel center plane, and has the same wavelength parameter (L).