Programmable Lock Cylinder Assembly Reprogramming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional lock cylinder reprogramming requires disassembly and specialized knowledge, tools, and access to pinning kits, making it inaccessible to non-professionals and prone to component loss or damage.
Innovation Solution
A programmable lock cylinder assembly with a re-combinating member and reset actuator allows for reprogramming without disassembly, using a sidebar and pin components that can be reconfigured using user and reset keys to change the lock configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional cylinder design is used for reprogramming, then security and reliability are maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates as users must disassemble the lock mechanism and use specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The lock cylinder is divided into distinct functional segments: a reusable housing containing the locking mechanism, and replaceable pin sets that define key configurations. This segmentation allows users to reprogram the lock by simply swapping pin sets rather than disassembling the entire cylinder, dramatically improving ease of reprogramming while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple different pin sets, each representing a different key configuration. This multi-functionality allows a single lock housing to serve multiple security purposes with different keys, enabling easy reprogramming without requiring specialized tools or disassembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional pin replacement method is used, then reprogramming capability is achieved, but loss of components occurs during the process
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pin sets are pre-configured and prepared outside the lock mechanism. Users can select and swap between pre-prepared pin sets without needing to manipulate individual pins during the reprogramming process. This preliminary preparation eliminates the risk of losing small pin components during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin sets are designed to nest within the housing structure, with each pin set containing pins that fit precisely into designated slots. This nested design ensures that pins remain contained within the housing during installation and cannot be lost, while still allowing complete removal and replacement of pin sets for reprogramming.
3Manufacturing precision
If specialized tools and pinning kits are required for reprogramming, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to additional tooling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The housing incorporates self-aligning features such as guide slots, tapered boreways, and snap-fit mechanisms that automatically position pins correctly during installation. This self-service design eliminates the need for specialized alignment tools while maintaining high manufacturing precision through the mechanical design itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing acts as an intermediary component with built-in precision features like precision-machined boreways, guide ribs, and retention mechanisms. These intermediary structures provide the necessary alignment and positioning functions that would otherwise require specialized tools, simplifying both manufacturing and user installation while maintaining precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
A programmable lock cylinder assembly including a lock housing and a cylinder plug including a keyway extending therein. At least one locking member is moveable in the cylinder plug between a locked position wherein the cylinder plug is rotationally locked relative to the housing and an unlocked position wherein the cylinder plug is rotational relative to the housing. A plurality of pin sets are positioned in the cylinder plug. Each pin set includes a keyway pin component and a locking pin component and is positioned such that a portion of each keyway pin component extends across the keyway. The pin components are selectively engagable, A re-combinating member is engaged with one of the components of each pin set and is moveable between a first position wherein the keyway pin components are engaged with the locking pin components and a second position wherein the keyway pin components are disengaged from the locking pin components. A reset actuator is moveable between an engaged position wherein the re-combinating member position is locked relative to the cylinder plug and a non-engaged position wherein the re-combinating member position is moveable relative to the cylinder plug.