Pivotable Actuating Device in Lock Cylinder Key
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and material usage in producing cylinder lock keys, combined with the vulnerability to modern copying methods using 3D scanners and 3D printers, compromise the security of existing key systems.
Innovation Solution
A key design featuring a pivotable actuating device within the key shank with a rocker configuration, where the pivot axis intersects the side faces at an angle, and actuating elements extend radially, making precise reproduction and copying difficult, while also increasing the variability of locking combinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional key designs with simple contours are used, then manufacturing cost and material usage are high, but security against copying is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The key incorporates a pivotable actuating device with actuating elements that can change position relative to the key shank. This dynamic element allows the key to present different profiles during insertion versus during operation, making static copying methods ineffective while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating device is divided into separate components including the pivotable actuating elements and the key shank. This segmentation allows the copying process to capture only the static key shank profile, while the dynamic actuating elements remain undetectable and uncopyable, thus resolving the contradiction between simplicity and security
2Manufacturing precision
If modern copying methods like 3D scanners and printers are used, then key profiles can be reproduced precisely, but security is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable actuating elements create a dynamic profile that changes during key operation. 3D scanning and printing can only capture static profiles, so they cannot reproduce the dynamic behavior of the actuating elements, thereby maintaining security despite the precision of modern copying methods
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating elements are positioned in a specific configuration during key insertion that is different from their operational configuration. This preliminary positioning allows the key to be inserted successfully while ensuring that the copying process captures an incomplete or misleading profile, thus preventing successful replication
3Reliability
If the actuating device is arranged in the key shank, then mechanical scanning is made more difficult, but the key may be more prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable actuating elements are designed to pivot within controlled ranges rather than extending far beyond the key shank. This dynamic movement provides copy security while limiting the leverage that could cause damage, thus resolving the contradiction between security and durability
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating elements change their position parameters dynamically during operation rather than maintaining fixed extended positions. This parameter change allows them to provide security when needed while minimizing their exposure to forces that could cause key damage, balancing security and durability
Data Source
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AI summary
A key (10) for operating a locking cylinder (102), comprising a key bow (12) and a key shaft (16) extending from the key bow (12), is designed and further developed with regard to safe and reliable operation using simple constructional means such that a pivotable actuating device (18) for actuating a tumbler (128) is arranged in the key shaft (16), wherein the pivot axis (20) of the actuating device (18) intersects the side surfaces (22, 24) of the key shaft (16) at an angle, and that the actuating device (18) has two actuating elements (26, 28) which are rotationally fixed to one another and extend in different directions, in particular radially, away from the pivot axis (20). A locking system (100) with such a key (10) and an associated locking cylinder (102) is specified.