Push-Button Lock Cylinder with Selective Axial Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dual-actuation locking mechanisms are often large and prone to unnecessary stress, leading to potential lock failure due to accessible push-button actuation without a key, necessitating a compact and secure design that limits access to actuation components.
Innovation Solution
A push-button locking assembly that integrates a lock cylinder and push-button functionality using shared components, where a lock slot and lock post cooperate to selectively allow or inhibit the operation of the lock cylinder, providing both key-lock and push-button operation with a compact design suitable for existing handles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional dual-actuation locking mechanisms are used, then both key-lock and push-button operation are provided, but the device size becomes large and components are prone to unnecessary stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the key-lock cylinder and push-button actuator into a single integrated lock body. The lock cylinder serves dual purposes: it functions as both the key-operated locking mechanism and the push-button actuator. When the key is removed, the cylinder body itself can be pushed axially to operate the locking mechanism, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock cylinder is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the key-operated locking mechanism, the push-button actuator, and the housing for internal components. This multi-functionality allows the same component to replace what would traditionally require separate dedicated parts, thereby reducing the overall volume of the locking mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If push-button actuation is made accessible, then push-button operation is enabled, but security is compromised due to actuation without a key
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses a dynamic slot geometry that changes its constraints based on the rotational position of the lock cylinder. The slot transitions between different orientations and engagement states depending on whether the cylinder is in the locked or unlocked rotational position, allowing the same physical space to provide both security and operational access at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot is divided into distinct functional zones: a first portion that engages with the lock cylinder in one orientation to prevent axial movement (secured state), and a second portion that engages when the cylinder is rotated to allow axial movement (operational state). This segmentation allows the slot to selectively enforce different constraints based on the cylinder's rotational position.
3Ease of operation
If lock cylinder rotation is unrestricted, then operation is simplified, but unwanted actuation occurs without proper key insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The slot is designed with asymmetric geometry that is specific to the authorized key cylinder. The slot's shape, orientation, and engagement features do not match generic or unauthorized cylinders, ensuring that only the correct key-operated cylinder can achieve the proper rotational alignment to enable axial movement. This asymmetric design prevents unwanted actuation while maintaining ease of operation for authorized users.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A push-button locking assembly (10, 100) includes a lock body (12) having an internal cavity (16) and a slot (24) that is open to the internal cavity. A lock cylinder (14) is received within the internal cavity. The lock cylinder is configured to be rotated between a locked orientation and an unlocked orientation and is configured to be axially pushed by a user to open the door, when in the unlocked orientation. A lock post (18) is coupled to the lock cylinder and can extend at least partly into the slot. The slot is configured to engage the lock post to prevent axial movement of the lock cylinder relative to the lock body when the lock cylinder is in the locked orientation. The slot is further configured to permit axial movement of the lock cylinder relative to the lock body when the lock cylinder is in the unlocked orientation.