Reversible Key with Contour Milling for Copy Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reversible keys lack enhanced copy protection and variations in hierarchical arrangements, limiting their ability to create access authorizations in multiple levels within locking systems.
Innovation Solution
The reversible key features additional contour milling on broad sides with variation edges that are difficult to copy, requiring specialized tools and precise manufacturing, allowing for increased variations and improved security against unauthorized duplication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional reversible keys with incisions on narrow edges are used, then the key can be inserted in two positions and basic locking function is achieved, but copy protection is insufficient and hierarchical access variations are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The key blade is divided into multiple functional segments: traditional incisions on narrow edges for basic positioning, recesses on broad sides for additional pin tumbler alignment, and contour millings with variation edges for enhanced copy protection. Each segment serves a distinct security function, creating layered protection without requiring complete redesign of the key structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Contour millings are created on the broad sides of the key blade with asymmetric variation edges that do not mirror each other. This asymmetry makes copying extremely difficult as the variation edges must match specific non-symmetric profiles on the lock cylinder, preventing simple mirror-image duplication methods.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional recesses and contour millings are added to the key blade, then copy protection and hierarchical access variations are improved, but manufacturing complexity and copying difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adds a new dimension to key differentiation by creating contour millings on the broad sides of the key blade, rather than only using incisions on the narrow edges. This dimensional expansion allows for variation edges at different positions and orientations, enabling hierarchical access levels while maintaining compatibility with existing lock cylinder mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the key blade have different levels of complexity: the narrow edges have simple incisions for basic positioning, the broad sides have recesses for additional pin alignment, and specific locations have contour millings with variation edges for copy protection. This localized differentiation optimizes manufacturing by applying complexity only where needed for security.
3Adaptability or versatility
If variation edges are positioned at different distances from the key tip with different geometric courses, then the number of possible variations increases for hierarchical arrangements, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring these features increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock cylinder is pre-configured with corresponding features that guide and define the variation edges during key insertion. The lock mechanism includes reference surfaces and detection elements that automatically verify the presence and position of variation edges before allowing operation, eliminating the need for complex external measurement equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The key and lock cylinder are designed as self-verifying systems where the variation edges on the key automatically engage with corresponding features in the lock cylinder. The lock mechanism itself performs the detection and verification of the variation edges, making the system self-checking without requiring external measurement tools.
Data Source
Figure 1~1a
Figure 2~2a
Figure 3~6
AI summary
Claimed is a key and cylinder lock system. The key has an identical mirror image cut profile top and bottom along the shaft. The profiles incorporate two or more variations that are transverse to the shaft axis.