Rekeyable Lock Cylinder Pin Replacement Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keyable lock cylinders and padlocks require significant time and risk for rekeying, especially when transitioning between different numbers of pins, as they often necessitate removing and reconfiguring the rotatable core, which can lead to lost parts and operational issues.
Innovation Solution
A rekeyable lock cylinder design with a rotatable cylindrical core and a casing that includes key pin and driver pin openings, allowing for reconfiguration without removing the core, through access openings and reconfiguration channels that enable easy replacement of pins without detaching the core, thereby simplifying and speeding up the rekeying process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the rotatable core is removed for rekeying, then the pin sequence can be changed, but the rekeying process becomes time-consuming and risky due to potential loss of parts
Solution Approach 1:
The lock cylinder is segmented into a rotatable core and a stationary casing with access openings. The core can be rotated to specific positions (keying position, rekeying position, pin removal position) to provide access to different components. This segmentation allows the pin removal and installation operations to be performed independently without removing the core, reducing rekeying time while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The casing is pre-configured with access openings that align with specific pin openings at predetermined core positions. These access openings are prepared in advance to receive pins during rekeying operations. The stop pin is also pre-positioned to limit core rotation and ensure proper alignment during the rekeying process, eliminating the need to remove the core entirely.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the rotatable core is removed for rekeying, then the pin sequence can be changed, but the complexity and risk of losing parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock cylinder is segmented into a rotatable core and a stationary casing with access openings. The core can be rotated to specific positions (keying position, rekeying position, pin removal position) to provide access to different components. This segmentation allows the pin removal and installation operations to be performed independently without removing the core, reducing rekeying time while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The access openings act as intermediaries that facilitate pin removal and installation without requiring core removal. The stop pin serves as a mediator to control core rotation and ensure proper alignment during rekeying operations. These intermediary elements simplify the rekeying procedure by providing controlled access points while maintaining the integrity of the core-casing assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a six-pin lock cylinder is rekeyed to a five-pin configuration, then the lock can accommodate fewer pins, but the free pin blocks the shear line and permanently blocks the cylinder core
Solution Approach 1:
The rekeying procedure begins by rotating the core to a predetermined rekeying position where access openings are aligned with specific pin openings. This preliminary positioning allows the locksmith to selectively remove pins before the shearing operation. The stop pin is depressed to enable core rotation to this precise position, ensuring that pins are removed in a controlled sequence that prevents blocking of the shear line.
Solution Approach 2:
The core is made dynamically rotatable through controlled rotation between different positions (locked position, rekeying position, pin removal position). This dynamic rotation allows the same physical core to serve multiple functions: normal locking operation, controlled pin removal, and pin installation. The stop pin provides mechanical feedback to ensure the core reaches the correct angular position for each operation phase.
4Ease of manufacture
If the core is detached for rekeying, then pins can be replaced, but the risk of losing parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock cylinder is segmented into a rotatable core and a stationary casing with access openings. The core can be rotated to specific positions (keying position, rekeying position, pin removal position) to provide access to different components. This segmentation allows the pin removal and installation operations to be performed independently without removing the core, reducing rekeying time while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The access openings act as intermediaries that facilitate pin removal and installation without requiring core removal. The stop pin serves as a mediator to control core rotation and ensure proper alignment during rekeying operations. These intermediary elements simplify the rekeying procedure by providing controlled access points while maintaining the integrity of the core-casing assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A rekeyable lock cylinder and a padlock with a rekeyable lock cylinder includes a cylindrical core formed to receive a key and an outer casing formed around the core. The cylinder core may be provided with one or more reconfiguration channels. Pins and springs mounted in openings formed in a spring holder connected to the casing can be removed through the one or more reconfiguration channels when the reconfiguration channels in the core align with assembly openings in the casing and the pin openings in the spring holder, thereby allowing the adaptation of the number of pins mounted in the lock cylinder to the number of cuts provided in the key.