Programmable Cylinder Lock with Anti-Fault Programming Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing programmable locks face issues with faulty programming due to incomplete key insertion and the complexity of changing programming, which can lead to unintended loss of lock settings, and require special keys for programming changes.
Innovation Solution
A security device is integrated into the lock to prevent inward displacement of the change bar when the key is inserted incompletely, using a stop member that only allows complete key insertion to initiate programming changes, and a change mechanism operated externally to disengage key followers from locking pins for new programming, allowing normal keys to be used.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a special change key is used to modify lock codification, then the lock can be reprogrammed, but the structure becomes more complex and requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the keyhole universal by accepting both normal keys and change keys through the same opening. The keyhole is designed to receive any key type, and the internal mechanism automatically identifies the key type through its interaction with the key followers and locking pins, eliminating the need for separate keyholes or complex identification mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock system performs self-identification of key type through the natural interaction between the inserted key and the internal components (key followers, locking pins, stop bar). The mechanism automatically determines whether a normal key or change key is inserted based on how the key interacts with the internal structure, without requiring external detection or complex control systems.
2Ease of operation
If the change bar displaces automatically outwards when key is brought in change position, then programming change is enabled, but the lock loses programming by chance if key is extracted unintentionally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by using the stop bar to prevent the change bar from displacing outwards unless the key is completely inserted. The stop bar is positioned to block the change bar's outward movement in advance, creating a protective mechanism that only allows displacement when the key is properly inserted, thus preventing accidental programming loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the key insertion state to control the change bar displacement. The stop bar responds to the key's position and insertion completeness, allowing the change bar to displace inward when the key is fully inserted and preventing outward displacement when the key is not properly inserted, creating a feedback-controlled mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If incomplete key insertion allows programming change, then the lock is easier to program, but faulty programming occurs which is difficult to correct
Solution Approach 1:
The stop bar is positioned to prevent the change bar from displacing inward unless the key is completely inserted. This preliminary protective action blocks faulty programming attempts by incomplete key insertion, ensuring that only complete key insertions can trigger programming changes, thus maintaining programming accuracy while keeping the operation simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism uses feedback from the key insertion state to control whether programming change is allowed. The stop bar responds to the key's insertion completeness, allowing change bar displacement and programming only when the key is fully inserted, providing automatic verification that prevents faulty programming while maintaining ease of operation.
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 solution prevents faulty programming and simplifies the programming change process while maintaining lock settings, allowing for secure and easy reprogramming without the need for special keys.
Implementation Method 1
a stop member mounted at the distal end of rotor for displacement in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotor and to the displacement direction of the change bar, said stop member is susceptible to take a first position, towards which it is pushed by a spring, in which first position it hinders the inward displacement of the change bar
Implementation Method 2
a series of key followers inserted with longitudinal and transversal mobility in said first rotor seats for cooperating with the conformations of a key inserted into said keyhole, each key follower having on one side some projections and on the other side an element for sliding engagement
Implementation Method 3
a change bar, inserted in said second rotor slot, having slidable engagement elements engaged with said sliding engagement elements of the key followers, and having a projection turned on the side opposite the key followers and suitable for cooperating with said stator groove for allowing an outward displacement of the change bar
Data Source
AI summary
A lock with a programming device, includes a stator, a rotor rotatably inserted therein, a keyhole, a longitudinal groove, a set of key followers and a set of locking pins which, under control of a change bar, can be mutually engaged for normal operation and disengaged in a change condition, and can be moved or blocked under control of a stop bar provided with springs which stress the stop bar outwards. The change bar is arranged to keep or assume, even in the change condition, a position in which it retains the engagement among at least some of the key followers and locking pins. A change element displaces the change bar to the position in which it disengages all the key followers from the locking pins, when the user intends to proceed with the change of the key. A device for preventing a faulty programming is provided.