Rekeyable Lock Cylinder With Side Milling Slider System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rekeyable locks have limited key cut combinations, making them less secure for commercial applications which require millions of possible combinations.
Innovation Solution
A rekeyable lock cylinder with a plug assembly that includes a key follower and rack system for a first locking bar, and a slider and second locking bar system, providing additional key cut combinations and enhanced security through a side milling cut on the key.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional key follower and rack system is used in a rekeyable lock, then the lock can be rekeyed without removal, but the number of possible key cut combinations is limited to thousands
Solution Approach 1:
The lock cylinder is divided into two independent subsystems: a first locking bar controlled by key followers and racks for rekeyability, and a second locking bar controlled by sliders for high-security key combinations. Each subsystem can be independently configured and rekeyed, allowing the lock to provide both ease of rekeying and high security levels simultaneously.
2Device complexity
If a single locking bar system is used, then the lock structure is simple, but the number of possible key cut combinations remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a second dimension to the key control system by introducing sliders that operate independently from the traditional key follower-rack mechanism. The sliders respond to side milling cuts on the key, creating a new dimensional aspect of key code configuration that exponentially increases the number of possible key combinations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A rekeyable lock cylinder with a cylinder body and a rotatable plug assembly is provided. The plug assembly includes a plurality of key followers and a corresponding plurality of racks for operation of a first locking bar. Additionally, the plug assembly includes a plurality of sliders for operation of a second locking bar. The key followers and racks can be rekeyed while the plug assembly is disposed within the cylinder body. The sliders are operated by a side milling cut on a key and provide additional key cut combinations for enhanced security of the rekeyable lock cylinder.