Rekeyable Lock Cylinder Error Prevention Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rekeyable lock cylinders fail to ensure that the new authorized key is properly inserted before the rekeying process, leading to incomplete rekeying and normal unlocking issues.

Innovation Solution

A fool-proof rekeying lock cylinder design featuring a cylinder body, plug assembly, and operation error preventing unit with movable members that align and limit rotation only when the key is correctly inserted, preventing rekeying errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the key is not pushed into the position before turning during rekeying, then the rekeying process is incomplete, but the lock cylinder cannot be unlocked normally

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverekeying operation reliabilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by requiring the key to be pushed into the position before the rekeying turning operation can be performed. The movable member is positioned to block the rekeying rotation until the key is properly inserted, ensuring the preparatory action (pushing key in) is completed before the main operation (turning key for rekeying).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The movable member acts as an intermediary mechanism between the key insertion action and the rekeying rotation. It translates the key insertion motion into a blocking/unblocking action that controls whether rekeying rotation can occur, mediating between the user's input and the rekeying process outcome.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the movable member blocks rotation to prevent errors, then rekeying errors are prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverekeying operation reliabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable member is designed to be self-actuating through the key insertion motion itself. The key's linear insertion movement automatically drives the movable member to shift positions and either block or permit rotation, without requiring separate control mechanisms or additional actuation steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The movable member changes its positional parameter based on the key insertion depth. When the key is pushed in sufficiently, the movable member shifts from a blocking position to an unblocked position, allowing rotation. This parameter change (position) is directly coupled to the key insertion action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8893536B2Rekeyable lock cylinder

Publication Date: 2014.11.25 TAIWAN FU HSING INDUSTRIAL CO LTD

AI summary

A rekeyable lock cylinder comprises a cylinder body, a plug assembly disposed within the cylinder body and an operation error preventing unit. The cylinder body has a plurality of upper pin holes and an accommodating hole. The plug assembly comprises a plug body, a plurality of assembled rack components and a position block disposed within the plug body. The plug body has an outside wall, a keyhole, a plurality of lower pin holes and a first hole in communication with the outside wall and the keyhole. The assembled rack components are disposed at each of the lower pin holes of the plug body respectively. The operation error preventing unit comprises a first movable member disposed at the accommodating hole of the cylinder body and a second movable member disposed at the first hole of the plug body, and the first movable member may contact against the second movable member.