Lockset Cylinder Integrity Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Locksets are susceptible to various attacks, particularly manipulation of the cylinder plug, which can compromise the lock's integrity without visible signs of forced entry, making it difficult to detect tampering.
Innovation Solution
A lock cylinder with a cylinder plug configured to deform or separate from the cylinder body when sufficient force is applied, equipped with a sensor assembly that detects deformation or separation using sensors like strain gauges, continuity circuits, micro-switches, optical sensors, accelerometers, or contact microphones, triggering an alarm or tamper lock to prevent unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional lock cylinder without sensors is used, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to detect tampering is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors (strain gauges, optical sensors, accelerometers) and a control circuit into the lock cylinder before deployment. These components are pre-positioned to detect tampering attempts such as cylinder plug removal, drilling, or excessive force application. The system performs preliminary monitoring and automatically triggers alarms or locks when threshold values are exceeded, eliminating the need for post-installation monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses sensor assemblies as intermediary elements between the physical tampering attempt and the alarm response. The sensors (strain gauges on the cylinder plug, optical sensors detecting plug position, accelerometers detecting impact) act as mediators that convert physical tampering indicators into electrical signals that the control circuit can process, enabling indirect detection of various attack methods.
2Loss of information
If no visible indication system is provided, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the ability to know whether cylinder integrity is compromised is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where sensors continuously monitor the cylinder's state and provide real-time information to a control circuit. When tampering is detected (cylinder plug removed, drill bit inserted, excessive force applied), the system immediately provides feedback through audible alarms, visual LEDs, or wireless notifications to the user or security system, ensuring continuous awareness of cylinder integrity without requiring physical inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates visual indicators such as LEDs that change color or illuminate to indicate the security status of the cylinder. Green LEDs indicate normal operation, while red LEDs indicate detected tampering attempts. This provides immediate, intuitive visual feedback about cylinder integrity that is visible from a distance and does not require physical contact with the lock.
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
The solution effectively detects and responds to tampering attempts by activating an alarm or locking the mechanism, thereby enhancing the security and integrity of the lock by providing real-time monitoring and automatic response to potential threats.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor assembly could detect when the cylinder plug deforms and/or separates from the cylinder plug with a strain gauge
Implementation Method 2
One or more sensors could be in the raised edged edge. In some cases, the opening in the sensor assembly may be coaxial with an opening in the cylinder body that receives the cylinder plug
Data Source
AI summary
A lockset is provided with a sensor assembly for detecting tampering with the cylinder. A lock cylinder with a cylinder body and a cylinder plug disposed in the cylinder body is provided. The cylinder plug is configured to deform and/or separate from the cylinder body when a sufficient force is applied. A sensor assembly is provided that detects when the cylinder plug deforms and/or separates from the cylinder body. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly could detect when the cylinder plug deforms and/or separates from the cylinder body with a strain gauge, a continuity circuit, a micro-switch, an optical sensor, an accelerometer and/or a contact microphone.