Reversible Key Bidirectional Insertion Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing key systems lack the ability to provide exclusive encoding and secure insertion from both orientations, leading to potential unauthorized access and limited versatility in key shapes and cylinder compatibility.
Innovation Solution
A reversible key system with a symmetrically rotatable profile that allows insertion from both 0 and 180 degrees, featuring grooves and ridges of varying depths and orientations to ensure secure alignment and compatibility with multiple lock profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional key system is used, then the key shape can be unique to the manufacturer, but the key cannot be inserted into the lock from both orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The key profile employs asymmetric groove patterns that are symmetrically arranged to enable bidirectional insertion. The encoding grooves are positioned and oriented such that the key can be inserted from either 0 or 180 degrees while maintaining proper alignment with the cylinder pins, resolving the contradiction between insertion flexibility and security encoding.
Solution Approach 2:
The key design incorporates grooves extending in multiple dimensions and orientations within the key profile. By arranging grooves in different planes and directions, the system enables the key to engage with the cylinder from multiple insertion orientations while maintaining a unique encoding pattern that prevents unauthorized access.
2Reliability
If the key space within the lock is optimized for maximum unique key shapes, then encoding exclusivity is improved, but the sliding and positioning of the key becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The key profile features localized groove structures at specific positions along the key body. These grooves are strategically placed to provide proper engagement with the cylinder pins while maintaining smooth sliding characteristics. The local quality of the groove placement ensures both secure encoding and ease of insertion without compromising either function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a reversible key system is implemented, then bidirectional insertion is enabled, but the complexity of the key/cylinder profile system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The key profile design achieves multi-functionality by incorporating groove patterns that simultaneously enable bidirectional insertion and maintain unique encoding. The same groove structure serves multiple purposes: it provides the mechanical engagement for insertion from either orientation while also creating the security encoding pattern, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the reversible capability.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The reversible key system for locks according to the present invention comprises a series of reversible keys (1), wherein each thereof has a body (11) provided with a grip (10), a face (14), an opposite face (15) and a cross-section. In particular, the cross-section of the body (11) has a key profile (3) defined by: -- an encoded side (31) obtained on the face (14), having three longitudinal grooves (301,302,303), all triangular in shape, each having a varying depth in the series of keys(1); -- an opposite encoded side (32) obtained on the opposite face (15), equal to the encoded side (31) but rotated by 180°. Advantageously, the key profile (3) helps with the centering of the key within the lock, rendering the insertion of the key into the lock particularly smooth.