Reversible Flat Key With Oscillating Levers For Protected Cylinder Locks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keys for cylinder locks face issues with security, ease of use, duplication, and reliability, particularly when the cylindrical rotor is protected by a disc, and mobile elements have limited displacement.
Innovation Solution
A key design featuring oscillating levers with a first arm for starting movement and a second arm for activating the tumbler element, housed in a groove, which amplifies displacement and engagement, and includes a magnetic retaining mechanism to prevent fraudulent duplication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed projecting elements are added to the key bit, then security is improved, but the key cannot be used with cylinder locks having protected rotors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs mobile elements within grooves that can move between retracted and engaged positions. These elements are dynamic rather than fixed, allowing the key to adapt to different lock configurations - remaining flat when elements are retracted (compatible with protected rotors) and engaging when elements are extended (enhanced security).
2Reliability
If fixed projecting elements are added to the key bit, then security is improved, but the key becomes more exposed to fraudulent duplication
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile elements within grooves create a dynamic bit configuration that is difficult to duplicate fraudulently. The elements can move between positions, creating a complex interaction pattern with the lock that cannot be easily copied by traditional duplication methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The grooves act as intermediaries that guide and constrain the mobile elements. This intermediary structure adds complexity to the key-bit interaction, making fraudulent duplication more difficult while maintaining compatibility with protected rotors when elements are retracted.
3Ease of manufacture
If mobile elements with limited displacement are used, then construction is simplified, but reliable and effective functioning is not guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses mobile elements with sufficient displacement capacity within grooves to ensure reliable engagement with the lock mechanism. The elements are designed to move through the necessary range to activate the locking mechanism effectively, overcoming the limitations of overly constrained mobile elements.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a simpler bit without fixed elements is used, then compatibility with protected rotors is improved, but security is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The key maintains a fundamentally simpler flat structure for compatibility, but incorporates mobile elements that can dynamically engage to provide enhanced security when needed. This dynamic approach allows the key to adapt between simple and complex configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
The key (1) for a lock (2), comprises at least a lever (9) having a first arm (10) for starting movement and a second arm (11) for activating a tumbler element of the lock (2), the lever (9) being pivoted to the shaft (4) of the key (1) with an oscillating axis thereof being transversal to the longitudinal axis of the shaft (4) of the key (1), the first lever arm (10) and the second lever arm (11) being located on a same face (5) of the shaft (4) of the key (1).