Modular Lock Cylinder Extraction Force Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modular lock cylinders face challenges in achieving the highest attack resistance grade due to structural weaknesses, particularly in withstanding extraction forces, as defined by European and DIN standards, which normal one-piece lock cylinders may also struggle with but to a lesser extent.

Innovation Solution

A modular lock cylinder design featuring a U-shaped holder with a slot accommodating a lock bit, and mechanical couplings between supports that transmit extraction forces, distributing the force over a wide area and maintaining structural integrity by acting as a solid piece under attack, including interlocking mechanisms and collars to prevent bending.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a modular lock cylinder design is used, then ease of manufacture and adaptability are improved, but structural strength and resistance to extraction forces deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidstructural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The lock cylinder is divided into modular components including a holder with first and second supports, a lock bit, and coupling means. This segmentation allows for easier manufacture and adaptability while the coupling means ensures the components work together to provide structural strength equivalent to a one-piece design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling means merges the first support and second support into a unified structural unit that acts as a solid piece under extraction force. This combining of modular components achieves the structural integrity of a one-piece cylinder while retaining the manufacturing advantages of modularity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a modular lock cylinder design is used, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but resistance to extraction forces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidresistance to extraction forces
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The modular design with separable holder, supports, and lock bit provides adaptability for different applications while the coupling means ensures reliable force transmission to resist extraction attacks up to 15 kN.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling means acts as an intermediary element between the first and second supports, transmitting extraction forces through the lock bit while maintaining the adaptability of the modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the lock cylinder is designed to withstand 15 kN extraction force, then security and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The security against 15 kN extraction force is achieved through segmented supports coupled together, distributing the force across multiple components rather than requiring a single complex structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling means serves multiple functions: it connects the supports, transmits extraction forces, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality achieves security without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2336460B1Part of a modular lock cylinder
Publication Date: 2012.05.30 ILOQ OY
  • EP2336460B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP2336460B1 patent drawingFigure 6~9

AI summary

An apparatus for a lock cylinder is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: a slot (500) between a first support (502) and a second support (504); a lock bit (508) movable in the slot (500); and means (510) for transmitting a force (106) of an extraction attack against the apparatus from the first support (502) through the lock bit (508) to the second support (504).