Offset Pin Lock Cylinder Re-keying via Engagement Member

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lock cylinders require complex re-keying processes that involve replacing small inner pins, which can be lost during re-keying, and may allow unauthorized access due to inner pins extending the same distance into the key slot.

Innovation Solution

A lock cylinder design that includes a housing and plug with a key slot defined by a pin resting surface, featuring inner pins that extend different distances into the key slot without a key, utilizing an engagement member to space inner pins from the pin resting surface, and allowing for modification of the engagement member to change the lock arrangement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If inner pins are positioned along the same plane within the key slot to provide easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but security is worsened due to possible unauthorized access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to inner pinsVSAvoidsecurity against unauthorized access

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by positioning inner pins at different depths within the key slot rather than along the same plane. This creates an asymmetric arrangement where each inner pin extends a different distance into the key slot, making it difficult for unauthorized users to access multiple pins simultaneously while still allowing proper keys to operate the lock.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement member is pre-configured with specific engagement portions at predetermined locations before the lock is assembled or re-keyed. This preliminary action establishes the asymmetric pin positions in advance, eliminating the need for complex re-keying procedures and reducing the risk of pin loss during the re-keying process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional re-keying processes are used to change lock arrangements, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and risk of loss are worsened due to replacing small inner pins

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to re-keyVSAvoidre-keying process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by making the engagement member removable and replaceable. This allows the lock arrangement to be dynamically changed by simply removing the old engagement member and installing a new one with different engagement portion configurations, rather than statically replacing individual inner pins.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement member is segmented into multiple engagement portions that can be selectively positioned. Each engagement portion corresponds to a specific inner pin, allowing independent control of each pin's position. This segmentation enables flexible re-keying by reconfiguring which engagement portions are active.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If engagement members with multiple engagement portions are used, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekey arrangement optionsVSAvoidengagement member manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by varying the positions, depths, and configurations of engagement portions on the engagement member. Different engagement portions can be positioned at different locations and depths to create different key arrangements, allowing a single engagement member design to support multiple key configurations through parameter variation rather than requiring completely different components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8826710B2Lock cylinder with offset pin

Publication Date: 2014.09.09 SCHLAGE LOCK CO LLC

AI summary

A method of re-keying a lock cylinder. The method includes providing a housing including outer pins, a plug rotatably engaged within the housing and having a key slot and inner pins configured to align with the outer pins, and an engagement member inserted into the plug as a separate piece such that the engagement member engages one or more originally engaged inner pins to space each of the engaged inner pins a distance from a pin resting surface defined by the key slot. The method also includes modifying the engagement member, and inserting the modified engagement member into the plug so that the engagement member engages one or more newly engaged inner pins different from the originally engaged inner pins to space each of the newly engaged inner pins a distance from the pin resting surface.