Rekeyable Lock Cylinder Rack Component Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock cylinders require replacement when changing keys, leading to high replacement costs and inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A rekeyable lock cylinder system comprising a cylinder body, plug, adjusting block, and rack component assemblies, allowing for key changes without replacing the lock cylinder by using a first matched key to disengage and reengage rack components with an adjusting block, enabling the use of a second matched key without replacing the lock cylinder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional lock cylinder is replaced when changing keys, then the key can be changed to a new one, but the lock-replacing cost increases and convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock cylinder is segmented into a stationary cylinder body and a movable plug assembly. The plug contains rack components that can be selectively engaged or disengaged from the cylinder body, allowing the key configuration to be changed while retaining the main cylinder body structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack components are designed to be dynamically reconfigurable. Through the adjusting block and position pin mechanism, the rack components can be moved between engaged and disengaged states, enabling the lock to adapt to different key configurations without replacing the entire cylinder.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional lock cylinder is replaced when changing keys, then the key can be changed to a new one, but the replacement process becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The lock cylinder enables self-service rekeying through a simple key manipulation process. By inserting a key and performing specific turning and pulling motions, the user can reconfigure the rack components themselves without requiring professional locksmith services or complete cylinder replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting block serves as an intermediary mechanism between the key and the rack components. It translates simple key movements into the complex action of engaging or disengaging rack components, making the rekeying process user-friendly and convenient.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rack components are made reconfigurable to enable rekeying, then key changes become possible without replacement, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the adjusting block, which simultaneously controls the position of multiple rack components, engages/disengages them from the cylinder body, and maintains their operational alignment. This consolidation reduces the number of separate control mechanisms needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The position pin serves multiple functions: it limits the movement of the adjusting block, positions the rack components during reconfiguration, and maintains engagement alignment during normal operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A rekeyable lock cylinder comprises a cylinder body, a plug, an adjusting block and a plurality of rack component assemblies. The plug disposed within the cylinder body has a trench and a plurality of rack component runners communicating with the trench. The adjusting block disposed at the trench has an arc sidewall, a plurality of leading slots corresponding to the rack component runners one by one and a position groove recessed from the arc sidewall. The position groove has a notch portion and a groove inner portion, wherein a depth of the groove inner portion is larger than a depth of the notch portion. Each of the rack component assemblies comprises a first rack component disposed at the rack component runner and a second rack component capable of engaging with the first rack component. Each of the first rack components has a rib portion located at the leading slot.