Rekeyable Lock Pin Cover With Sliding Block Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locks require replacement of pins in the lock cylinder to accommodate new keys, and the pin plugs are prone to being pushed out, leading to functional failures.
Innovation Solution
A rekeyable lock design featuring a lock casing, lock cylinder, pin set, and pin cover with a sliding block mechanism that allows stable fixation and easy removal of the pin cover, enabling pin replacement without loss, and accommodating keys with varying tooth heights and cross sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pin plug is used to block the pins in the lock cylinder, then the pins are prevented from falling out, but the pin plug is easy to be pushed out by the pins, causing the lock to fail to function properly
Solution Approach 1:
The pin retention system is divided into multiple independent retaining members instead of a single pin plug. Each retaining member independently blocks pins in specific pin holes, distributing the blocking force and preventing any single component from being pushed out by pin spring force.
Solution Approach 2:
Retaining members are introduced as intermediary components between the pins and the pin plug. These retaining members have blocking portions that extend into pin holes to block pins, while their other ends are abutted by the pin plug, creating an intermediate structure that prevents direct pushing of the pin plug by pins.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the lock cylinder is designed to accommodate keys with different tooth heights, then key compatibility is improved, but the pin configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system allows dynamic reconfiguration of pin lengths to match different key tooth heights. By providing a pin replacing hole that communicates with pin holes and accommodating different length pins, the system can be dynamically adapted to different keys without changing the overall lock structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock cylinder is designed with universal adaptability to accommodate keys with different tooth heights and cross sections. The pin replacement mechanism and varying pin lengths enable the same lock structure to function with multiple different key types, achieving multi-functionality.
3Ease of operation
If the pin cover is designed to be easily removed for pin replacement, then rekeying convenience is improved, but the pin cover may become loose and cause functional issues
Solution Approach 1:
The pin cover positioning system transitions from a fixed state to a movable state and back. The sliding block can slide along the groove to move the pin cover between a fixed position (when not being serviced) and a removable position (when the sliding block is moved to allow removal), enabling both secure fixation and easy removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding block acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user's manual operation and the pin cover fixation. By sliding the blocking along the groove, the user can control the pin cover's position, achieving both secure fixation during normal operation and easy removal when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A rekeyable lock includes a lock casing formed with a lock cylinder hole, a pin replacing hole and a plurality of first pin holes; a lock cylinder rotatably arranged in the lock cylinder hole and formed with a plurality of second pin holes; a pin set including a plurality of first pins respectively accommodated in the first pin holes, and a plurality of second pins respectively accommodated in the second pin holes; and a pin cover arranged in the pin replacing hole and including a cover body formed with a groove, and a sliding block arranged in the groove and slidable relative to the cover body. When the sliding block is located at a predetermined position, the sliding block and the cover body are configured to respectively abut against an inner wall of the lock casing to fix the pin cover in the pin replacing hole.