Multiple Key Lock System for Straddle-Type Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lock systems for straddle-type vehicles require users to switch the holding position of the multiple key when operating the shutter and cylinder lock, leading to inefficient operation.

Innovation Solution

A lock system with a combined lock/unlock mechanism featuring a rotor with a shutter mechanism and magnet system, allowing the cylinder key to be inserted into the rotor while maintaining a consistent holding position, enabling smooth operation of both the rotor and cylinder lock without position switching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the magnet key and cylinder key are provided in mutually different directions from the knob, then the shutter and cylinder lock can be operated separately, but the user has to switch the holding position of the multiple key when operating the lock device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparate operation capabilityVSAvoidoperation smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The magnet key and cylinder key are integrated into a single multiple key assembly where both keys extend in the same direction from the grip. The magnet key is provided around the proximal end of the cylinder key, allowing both keys to be held and operated simultaneously in one consistent orientation, eliminating the need to switch holding positions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the user switches the holding position of the multiple key when operating the cylinder key after operating the shutter, then both locks can be operated, but the lock device cannot be smoothly operated in some situations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-lock operationVSAvoidoperation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Both the magnet key and cylinder key are integrated into a single multiple key assembly with a common grip, allowing the user to operate both the shutter and cylinder lock without switching holding positions. The magnet key is provided around the proximal end of the cylinder key, enabling simultaneous operation of both locks in one consistent orientation, thereby improving operation reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the magnet key protrudes in a direction different from the cylinder key, then the shutter mechanism can be operated, but the user has to switch the holding position of the knob

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshutter operationVSAvoidtime for position switching
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The magnet key and cylinder key are merged into a single multiple key assembly where both keys extend in the same direction from the grip. This integration allows the user to operate the shutter mechanism and cylinder lock without switching holding positions, eliminating the time loss associated with position switching while maintaining ease of operation for both functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 stable and efficient operation of the lock device by allowing the user to maintain a consistent orientation while inserting and turning the cylinder key, enhancing usability and reducing operational complexity.

Implementation Method 1

a second magnet provided to the base component, and with which the position of the first magnet can be switched by the magnetic force of the second magnet from the restricted position to the permitted position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP2987707B1Lock system and straddle-type vehicle
Publication Date: 2017.03.15 YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP2987707B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2987707B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2987707B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There are provided a lock system that affords smooth operation of a lock device with a multiple key, and a straddle-type vehicle. A lock system (30) comprises a lock device (40) and a multiple key (100). The lock device (40) comprises casings (42 and 53), a cylinder lock (50), and a shutter mechanism (6). The multiple key (100) comprises a cylinder key (102) and a magnet key (110). The cylinder key (102) can be inserted into a second keyhole (74) of a rotor (70). In a state in which the cylinder key (102) has been inserted into the second keyhole (74) of the rotor (70), the magnet key (110) can switch the position of a first magnet (M1) of a shutter lock (80) from a restricted position (Q1) to a permitted position (Q2). In a state in which the cylinder key (102) has been inserted into the second keyhole (74) of the rotor (70), a first shutter (60) is moved from a closed position (S1) at which a first keyhole (52) is blocked off to an open position (S2) at which the first keyhole (52) is open, by turning the rotor (70) from a first state (P1) to a second state (P2).