Reprogrammable Cylinder Lock Key Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lock systems require replacement when a key is lost, compromising security if the lost key falls into unauthorized hands, and lack flexibility in managing multiple key combinations.
Innovation Solution
A reprogrammable lock system utilizing a cylinder core with movable pin locks and a cylinder ring, allowing multiple keys with different configurations and lengths to create and change lock combinations, rendering lost keys inoperable by reprogramming the lock combination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional lock system is used, then the lock provides basic security functionality, but the entire lock system must be replaced when a key is lost, compromising security and increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system is segmented into a reusable cylinder housing and replaceable cylinder core. The cylinder core contains the pin locks and lock combination mechanism, while the housing remains stationary. This segmentation allows only the core to be replaced when reprogramming is needed, rather than the entire lock system.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock combination parameters are changed by physically repositioning the pin locks to different depths within the cylinder core. Each pin lock can be set to different positions corresponding to different key cut configurations, allowing the same physical cylinder to accommodate multiple key combinations without replacement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional lock system is used, then the lock structure remains simple, but flexibility in managing multiple key combinations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The cylinder ring acts as an intermediary component that controls the depth positioning of the pin locks. When a key is inserted and turned, the cylinder ring rotates and pushes the pin locks to specific depths, mediating between the key input and the final locked/unlocked state. This intermediary mechanism enables multiple key combinations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin locks are designed to be dynamically positionable at different depths within the cylinder core, rather than being fixed at single positions. This dynamic positioning capability allows the same pin lock to accommodate multiple key cut configurations, providing flexibility in managing multiple key combinations without increasing structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the lock combination is reprogrammed to accommodate a second key, then flexibility in key management is improved, but the complexity of the lock mechanism increases due to the cylinder ring movement
Solution Approach 1:
The cylinder ring combines multiple functions into a single component: it serves as both the rotational element that responds to key input and the pushing mechanism that repositions the pin locks to different depths. By merging these functions, the design avoids adding separate complexity for the repositioning mechanism, making the overall system more efficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The cylinder ring performs the repositioning of pin locks automatically through its own rotational motion. When the key is turned, the cylinder ring rotates and its physical movement directly pushes the pin locks to the required depths without requiring additional actuators or mechanisms. This self-service approach simplifies the overall mechanism while enabling reprogramming functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A reprogrammable cylinder lock provides a lock system that allows a set of multiple keys with various lengths and cuts to work with a single cylinder lock to create multiple lock combinations. The reprogrammable lock comprises a cylinder core, a plurality of pin locks and a cylinder ring placed over the cylinder core in a first set position within a cylinder housing. The plurality of pin locks is configured such that it is initially nonrotatable. At least two different keys are provided. Upon inserting and rotating a first key into the cylinder core, the first key engages with a first lock combination so that the cylinder core is rotatable within the cylinder housing. Upon inserting and rotating subsequent keys into the cylinder core, the subsequent keys push the cylinder ring to subsequent set positions, create new lock combinations, and rotate the cylinder core within the cylinder housing.