Rekeyable Lock Cylinder with Rotating Plug Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for rekeying lock cylinders are either time-consuming due to the need for cutting tools or require complex and precise repositioning of components, making them inefficient and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A rekeyable lock cylinder design that includes a blocking device to maintain the plug in a rotated position, allowing for easy rekeying without the need for cutting tools or complex repositioning of components, and enabling the cylinder to be immediately rendered operative for random keying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the key is cut in half using dedicated equipment, then space is created for inserting the spring pressing accessory, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The cylinder is pre-configured with a blocking device that maintains the plug in a rotated position during assembly, allowing the spring pressing accessory to be inserted without cutting the key. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for time-consuming key cutting operations while creating sufficient space for the accessory.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking device is extracted/removed after the rekeying operation is complete, allowing the plug to return to its operative position. This temporary extraction enables the entire rekeying process to be completed without permanent modification to the key or cylinder structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the plug is completely extracted and counter-pins are repositioned, then the lock can be rekeyed, but dedicated equipment and high precision are required
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking device is installed beforehand to maintain the plug in a rotated position that facilitates counter-pin extraction and replacement. This preliminary positioning allows standard tools to be used instead of specialized equipment, and reduces the precision requirements for the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking device acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the plug and the rekeying process. It temporarily maintains the plug in a favorable position, enabling straightforward access to counter-pins and springs without requiring complex procedures or specialized tools.
3Reliability
If closures are inserted in openings to secure counter-pins, then components are held in place, but a further specific apparatus is needed to reposition closures
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking device is completely extracted after the rekeying operation, allowing the plug to return to its operative position without requiring any special apparatus to reposition closures. The blocking device itself serves as the retention mechanism during assembly, eliminating the need for separate closure elements and their associated repositioning tools.
Data Source
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AI summary
A cylinder (1) for a lock having a main body comprising a plug (3) inserted in a housing (4) of the main body (2) and configured to rotate about a rotation axis (X) thereof, a plurality of active pins (6) housed in respective seats (7) obtained on the plug (3), a plurality of counter-pins (8) housed in respective seats (9) obtained in the main body (2) so as to jointly define, with the active pins (6), a keying of the lock. In particular, the plug (3) has a slot (5) for inserting a key and, moreover, is in a rotated position so that the slot (5) is inclined relative to an operative configuration of the cylinder (1). The cylinder (1) also comprises a blocking device (10) configured to maintain the plug (3) in the rotated position in such a way as to maintain the counter-pins (8) abutted against an outer lateral wall of the plug (3) and so that the counter-pins (8) are maintained completely inside their respective seats (9). The subject matter of the present invention also relates to a method for producing a rekeyable cylinder (1) and processes for preparing for use a rekeyable cylinder (1).