Pin Tumbler Lock and Peg Key for Easy Secure Duplication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locks with biased side bars and moveable pins require specialist tools for key duplication, making them costly and limiting their widespread use.
Innovation Solution
A lock design with moveable pins featuring first and second recesses and a locking member, allowing for easy engagement with standard locksmith tools and enabling duplication through additive manufacturing techniques, such as 3D printing or peg insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locks use biased side bars with moveable pins and complex key designs, then security and resistance to lockpicking improve, but key duplication cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is divided into multiple functional segments: a head portion, a shaft portion, and a recess portion. The recess in the pin can be positioned at different locations (first location, second location, or neither), creating distinct pin types that contribute to security while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The key is designed with a standardized blade structure that can engage with multiple pin configurations. The same basic key blade form factor works with pins having recesses at different locations, allowing standard locksmith tools to service these locks without requiring specialized equipment.
2Reliability
If locks use unique pin designs with recesses at multiple locations, then resistance to standard lock breaking techniques improves, but ease of key manufacturing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pin's recess is positioned at specific locations (first location closer to the head, second location closer to the shaft) to create different engagement characteristics. This local variation in pin quality provides security differentiation while the overall pin structure remains simple enough for standard manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The key blade design allows for straightforward copying and duplication using standard locksmith equipment. The protrusions on the key blade simply need to match the recess locations on the pins, which can be determined through conventional key cutting methods without requiring specialized tools.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pins have recesses at different locations creating multiple pin types, then the number of lock combinations increases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pin recesses are positioned asymmetrically at different locations along the pin length. Pins with recesses at the first location, second location, or neither create distinct configurations that increase combination possibilities. The asymmetric positioning is simple enough for standard manufacturing tolerances to accommodate.
Data Source
AI summary
A lock and key and method of forming same are disclosed. The lock includes a cylinder and a plug which has a keyway for receiving a key. The plug is moveable (rotatable) relative to the cylinder. There are multiple pins slidable within the plug and the pins have a first recess with a cam surface for engaging a key so as to cause sliding movement and a second recess for receiving a locking member. The locking member allows and prevents the rotation of the plug in the cylinder only allowing rotation when all of the first recesses are aligned with the locking member. The key has a head and a blade with the blade having multiple peg receivers with a plurality of peg locations in each receiver. Each peg location has a peg fixed into one of the peg receiver and the pegs move the pins to determine whether the lock can be opened.