Rekeyable Master Key Lock Cylinder Independent Reracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lock cylinders require disassembly and specialized knowledge/tools for rekeying, limiting usability and security, especially in master keying systems where user and master keys need separate notches and have limited rekeying capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A rekeyable master keyable lock cylinder design with key followers and racks that allow user and master keys to be rekeyed independently without disassembly, using a method where racks are reconfigured and decoupled to align with new key bittings, enabling multiple rekeying operations without losing previous key combinations and maintaining security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional cylinder design is used for rekeying, then security can be maintained, but the rekeying process requires disassembly, specialized knowledge, and tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the rekeying function from the traditional pin-tumbler mechanism by introducing a separate key information storage area with removable followers. This allows the key code to be independently changed without disassembling the main locking mechanism, resolving the contradiction between ease of rekeying and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cylinder is segmented into distinct functional areas: the traditional pin-tumbler locking mechanism and a separate key information storage area with followers. This segmentation allows the rekeying operation to affect only the follower positions without impacting the core locking mechanism, enabling easy rekeying while maintaining security.
2Adaptability or versatility
If master keying systems are implemented, then access control flexibility is improved, but rekeying requires removing wafers which limits rekeying operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service rekeying capability where users can rekey both user keys and master keys using the same simple follower repositioning mechanism. This eliminates the need for different rekeying procedures for different key types, allowing unlimited rekeying operations while maintaining master keying versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wafers are used for master keying, then master key access is enabled, but key complexity increases with different notches required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by using the same follower-based mechanism for both user keys and master keys. This uniform approach eliminates the need for different wafer notches and key structures, simplifying the key design while maintaining the ability to provide master key access through appropriate follower positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A rekeyable master keyable lock includes a plurality of key followers, a plurality of user racks and a plurality of master racks. One user rack and one master rack are associated with each key follower and are configured to be selectively disengaged from, and reengaged with, the key follower. When the user racks are disenggaged from the key follower, the valid user key can be replaced with a new user key. Reengaging the user racks with the key followers rekeys the lock cylinder to the new user key and invalidates the original user key. Similar functionality applies to rekeying the master key. Either the user key or the master key can be rekeyed without rekeying the other.