Rekeyable Lock Cylinder Blocking Device for Rapid Pin Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for rekeying lock cylinders are either time-consuming due to the need for cutting tools or require complex repositioning of components, necessitating specialized equipment and precision.
Innovation Solution
A rekeyable lock cylinder design that includes a blocking device to maintain counter-pins inside their seats, allowing for quick rekeying without the need for cutting tools or complex repositioning, and enabling the cylinder to be immediately rendered operative for random keying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the key is cut in half using dedicated equipment, then space is created for inserting the spring pressing accessory, but the rekeying process becomes time-consuming and requires specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The cylinder is pre-configured with a blocking device that maintains counter-pins inside their seats during plug extraction. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for time-consuming key cutting operations, as the blocking device is already in place to prevent pin displacement, allowing direct plug removal and rekeying without specialized cutting equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking device is extracted or removed after the rekeying operation is complete. The blocking device serves its protective function during the rekeying process and is then taken out to allow normal operation, eliminating the need for permanent structural modifications like key cutting
2Ease of operation
If the plug is completely extracted, then the counter-pins come out of their seats due to spring compression, but this requires complex repositioning procedures and specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking device applies a counter-action to the spring force that would otherwise eject the counter-pins from their seats. By blocking the pins inside their seats during plug extraction, the device prevents the harmful effect of pin displacement, allowing easy plug removal without subsequent complex repositioning procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking device acts as an intermediary element between the plug and the counter-pins during extraction. It mediates the interaction by maintaining pin position while allowing plug removal, and is subsequently removed itself to complete the operation without requiring specialized repositioning equipment
3Manufacturing precision
If specialized equipment is used for repositioning counter-pins and springs, then component repositioning can be achieved, but the process requires high operator precision and significant time investment
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking device provides self-service functionality by automatically maintaining counter-pin position during plug extraction. The device works autonomously to prevent pin displacement without requiring operator intervention or specialized repositioning equipment, eliminating both the precision and time requirements for manual repositioning operations
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A rekeyable cylinder (1) for a lock comprises a main body, a plug (3) inserted in a housing (4) of the main body (2) and configured to rotate about a rotation axis (X) thereof, a plurality of active pins (6) housed in respective seats (7) obtained on the plug (3), a plurality of counter-pins (8) housed in respective seats (9) obtained in the main body (2) so as to jointly define, with the active pins (6), a keying of the lock. In particular, the plug (3) has a slot (5) for inserting a key and, moreover, is in a rotated position so that the slot (5) is inclined relative to an operative configuration of the cylinder (1). The cylinder (1) also comprises a blocking device (10) configured to maintain the plug (3) in the rotated position and comprising an insert (11) adapted to be inserted into the slot (5) and press on the counter-pins (8) to maintain them completely inside their respective seats (9). The subject matter of the present invention also relates to a method for producing a rekeyable cylinder (1) and processes for preparing for use a rekeyable cylinder (1).