Tool-less Rekeyable Lock Cylinder Cam Track Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional lock cylinder rekeying requires disassembly and specialized tools, making it inaccessible to non-professionals and vulnerable to picking.
Innovation Solution
A tool-less rekeyable lock cylinder design featuring a plug assembly with key followers and a rack carrier that can be moved between engagement and disengagement positions using a cam track, allowing rekeying without disassembly or tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional cylinder design is used, then rekeying can be performed, but it requires disassembly and specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The lock cylinder enables the user to perform rekeying themselves without requiring locksmiths or trained professionals. The design allows end-users to complete the rekeying process using only the key itself, eliminating the need for specialized tools and expertise.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the rekeying function from the complex disassembly process. By designing the plug body and carrier assembly to allow direct access and manipulation of pins through the keyway, the system separates the rekeying operation from the need to disassemble the cylinder housing or remove the entire plug.
2Ease of operation
If traditional cylinder design is used, then rekeying can be performed, but it requires specialized tools and pinning kits
Solution Approach 1:
The key itself serves as the tool for rekeying. The key's cuts and profile directly manipulate the pins and carrier assembly, eliminating the need for external pinning kits, pick tools, or specialized rekeying instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The key performs multiple functions: it operates the lock normally and simultaneously serves as the rekeying tool. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized tools, making the rekeying process as accessible as normal key operation.
3Ease of operation
If traditional cylinder design is used, then rekeying can be performed, but components can get lost or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The plug body is segmented into functional zones: the keyway for key insertion, the pin chambers for pin manipulation, and the carrier assembly housing. This segmentation allows the rekeying process to be contained within the plug body structure, preventing components from becoming loose or lost during the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The key manipulates pins and carrier components through controlled movement within the confined keyway and pin chambers, ensuring all parts remain secured within the plug body throughout the rekeying operation, eliminating the risk of components becoming lost or damaged.
4Ease of operation
If traditional cylinder design is used, then rekeying can be performed, but it requires removing the cylinder mechanism from the lockset
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the rekeying function from the overall cylinder assembly by enabling it to be performed entirely within the plug body while installed in the lockset. The keyway and pin mechanism are designed to allow rekeying operations without removing the cylinder from the door or lockset assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The installed cylinder performs its own rekeying function in-place, eliminating the need for removal and reinstallation. The key manipulates internal components through the keyway while the cylinder remains secured in the lockset, making the process as simple as inserting and turning the key.
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
Facilitates rekeying of lock cylinders without the need for tools or disassembly, enhancing user accessibility and security by preventing unauthorized key changes.
Implementation Method 1
The cam track has a ramp portion configured to longitudinally displace the cam follower and rack carrier as the plug assembly is rotated about the longitudinal axis relative to the lock cylinder body
Data Source
AI summary
A rekeyable lock cylinder includes a plug assembly and a lock cylinder. The plug assembly includes a plug body, a plurality of key followers, a plurality of racks, and a rack carrier that carriers the plurality of racks. The rack carrier is moveable relative to the plug body between a proximal end and a distal end. A cam follower extends outwardly from the rack carrier. The lock cylinder body includes a cylinder wall with the plug assembly rotatably disposed therein, and has a cam track configured on the cylinder wall at an interior surface to guide the cam follower of the plug assembly. The cam track has a ramp portion configured to longitudinally displace the cam follower and the rack carrier as the plug assembly is rotated relative to the lock cylinder body to facilitate selective disengagement of the plurality of racks from the plurality of key followers.