Pivotable Key Combination Elements for Cylinder Lock Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing key devices with alpha-shaped springs are too wide to operate certain cylinder locks, lacking the necessary leverage to bring pins to the shear line, and existing narrow key combination elements lack sufficient strength for backward compatibility.
Innovation Solution
The key device features first and second key combination elements positioned side-by-side in the elongate shaft, each independently pivotable and capable of providing a biasing force, made of steel alloys like 17-4 PH martensitic stainless steel to overcome the springs in both the present and older cylinder locks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single wide key combination element (alpha-shaped spring) is used, then the key can operate older cylinder locks, but it is too wide to bring pins to the shear line in newer cylinder locks
Solution Approach 1:
The single wide key combination element is divided into two separate narrow key combination elements (first and second elements). Each element can independently engage with pin structures in both older and newer cylinder locks, solving the problem of width preventing pin engagement while maintaining backward compatibility through the presence of two elements that can function in various combinations.
2Length of moving object
If the key combination element is made narrow to fit newer cylinder locks, then it can engage pins at the shear line, but it lacks sufficient strength for backward compatibility with older locks
Solution Approach 1:
Two narrow key combination elements are positioned side-by-side within the key shaft. Individually, each element is narrow enough to engage pins in newer cylinder locks. Collectively, the two elements provide sufficient combined strength and leverage to overcome the stronger springs in older cylinder locks, thus resolving the contradiction between narrow width and sufficient strength.
3Strength
If two key combination elements are positioned side-by-side, then sufficient strength and leverage are provided to activate pins, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The two key combination elements are designed to be functionally interchangeable and can operate in multiple modes: individually for different lock types, or in combination for enhanced strength. This multi-functionality justifies the increased complexity by providing universal compatibility across different cylinder lock systems while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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
This design allows for reversible or irreversible key operation in both new and older cylinder locks, ensuring sufficient strength and leverage to activate pins at the shear line, while maintaining backward compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
The key combination element has inherent energy for applying an urging force against the lock combination element. The key combination element can resiliently protrude outwards beyond both the first and second side surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A key device includes a generally elongate shaft portion that has first and second oppositely directed side surfaces, at least one of which is cuttable to form key cuts that define a key combination surface. First and second key combination elements, disposed in the elongate shaft portion, are side-by-side one another at different lateral positions along the width of the elongate shaft portion and located at overlapping longitudinal positions along the length of the elongate shaft portion. The first and second key combination elements are each pivotable about a pivot axis.