Modular Security Lock Cylinder Length Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular security lock cylinders face challenges in adapting their length to fit different door thicknesses without requiring complex structures or specialized tools, particularly when maintaining rotor safety pins during module insertion.

Innovation Solution

A modular security lock cylinder design featuring a central base with outer and inner lateral arms, each with holes, and stators with spring-urged pins and cylindrical housings, allowing for easy length adjustment by inserting intermediate modules without interfering with rotor safety pins, using a system of pins, springs, and tool-accessible windows for pin manipulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a modular cylinder design is used to adapt length to door thickness, then the adaptability to different door thicknesses is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple modules and connection mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to door thicknessVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cylinder is divided into multiple independent modules (first module, second module, intermediate module) that can be separately assembled and disassembled. Each module has standardized connection interfaces with the base, allowing flexible configuration to match different door thicknesses while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection mechanism uses universal standardized interfaces (protrusions and recesses) that work across all module types. The same base structure accommodates different module configurations, and the connection principle remains consistent regardless of which modules are assembled, reducing the need for multiple specialized components

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If intermediate modules are inserted to change cylinder length, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential interference with rotor safety pins

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelength adaptabilityVSAvoidsafety pin maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The safety pin retention function is extracted from the module assembly process itself. The base structure includes dedicated retention features (protrusions fitting into recesses) that actively hold safety pins in place during module insertion, separating the pin retention mechanism from the general assembly operation and ensuring pins remain secure regardless of module configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The design incorporates pre-positioned safety pins and retention features before module assembly begins. The base structure is prepared with protrusions and recesses that guide and secure pins in advance, preventing potential interference issues during the actual module insertion process rather than addressing them reactively

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If a complex connection mechanism is used to maintain safety pins during module insertion, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation worsens due to special tools and skill requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety pin retentionVSAvoidease of module assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. Protrusions on the base automatically engage with corresponding recesses in the modules during assembly, and safety pins are retained by the structure itself without requiring external tools or specialized skills. The design makes the complex retention function operate automatically as part of the normal assembly process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables quick and secure length adjustment of the lock to match door thickness without altering the security pins, ensuring reliable operation and ease of use through a modular and adaptable mechanism.

Implementation Method 1

a pin (5) urged towards the arm of the base by a spring (17)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3882418B1Modular cylinder for security lock
Publication Date: 2022.01.19 ASSA ABLOY FRANCE SAS
  • EP3882418B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3882418B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3882418B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

Modular cylinder for security lock characterized in that it comprises a central base (1) and two independent stators (7), the base (1) comprising an outer lateral arm (2) and an inner lateral arm (3), each provided with several holes (4), each stator (7) comprising in its foot (8) a longitudinal cavity (9) for receiving a lateral arm (2, 3) of the base, and each stator (7) comprising a spring-loaded pin (5) (17) for insertion into one of the holes (4) of a lateral arm (2, 3)