Modular Web System for Variable Length Lock Cylinders

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity and cost associated with warehousing and producing webs of varying lengths for variable-length double locking cylinders result in material waste and increased costs, as existing solutions require numerous different web lengths and complex assembly processes.

Innovation Solution

A modular web system comprising a middle part with a thickened base element and extension parts, connected using pins, allowing for assembly of standard double lock cylinders with few middle parts of different lengths and extension parts of the same length, ensuring stability and safety while simplifying production and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple webs of different lengths are provided for variable-length double locking cylinders, then all standard double lock cylinders can be assembled, but warehousing becomes very complex and requires many different web lengths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly capability for different cylinder lengthsVSAvoidwarehousing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The web is divided into a middle part and extension parts that can be assembled together. The middle part has a specific length suitable for standard double lock cylinders, while extension parts of standardized lengths can be added to achieve variable total lengths. This segmentation allows a single middle part design to serve multiple cylinder length requirements when combined with different extension parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Extension parts are designed to be attached to the middle part in a nested manner, where the extension part incorporates the middle part's connection interfaces. This allows the extension part to contain and build upon the middle part structure, creating a hierarchical assembly that simplifies the overall component inventory while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If webs are made of very strong and flexurally stable material to prevent tearing during break-in attempts, then security is improved, but material waste increases when cutting to different lengths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against break-inVSAvoidmaterial waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The web is segmented into a middle part and extension parts, where the middle part is manufactured to a standardized length that can be reused across different cylinder configurations. Only the extension parts need to be varied in length, significantly reducing the material waste associated with cutting multiple different-length webs from stock material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The middle part is pre-manufactured to an optimal standardized length that accommodates the base requirements of all standard double lock cylinders. This preliminary sizing eliminates the need to cut and waste material for each individual cylinder length, as the middle part serves as a reusable base for all assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If modular system with few middle parts and extension parts of same length is used, then production and storage are simplified, but assembly stability and safety must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction and storage simplicityVSAvoidassembly stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The web is divided into a middle part and extension parts with standardized dimensions and connection interfaces. This segmentation enables simplified production through standardized manufacturing processes and reduces storage complexity by limiting the variety of unique components. The modular nature maintains stability through precise interface design between segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The middle part is designed as a universal base component that can be combined with different extension parts to create webs for various cylinder lengths. This multi-functionality simplifies production and storage by using a single middle part design across all applications, while the standardized connection interfaces ensure assembly stability and safety.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2090725B1Bridge for connecting both cylinder halves of a variable length double cylinder lock
Publication Date: 2011.01.12 KESO
  • EP2090725B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2090725B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4
  • EP2090725B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The bar (8) has arms (12, 13) inserted into a recess of a housing (2) of cylinder halves (1), and boreholes accommodating fastening pins. A thickened part is arranged between the arms, and the cylinder halves are attached to the thickened part. A center part (9) designed as a base element and an extension part (16) are interconnected, and comprises boreholes (15) accommodating a connecting pin (30). The boreholes of the center part and the extension part are arranged in a common part. The boreholes are inserted between connection lugs for connecting the center part with the extension part. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a kit for manufacturing a bar (2) a double lock cylinder comprising a passage borehole and a bar.