Safety Lock Cam Mechanism for Tool-Free Key Disabling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety locks for work-sites require complex and costly mechanisms for disabling work-site keys, necessitating specialized intervention and on-site testing, with inefficiencies in handling doors with different orientations and limited flexibility in key usage.
Innovation Solution
A safety lock design featuring a basic, inexpensive mechanism with a work-site key that can be automatically disabled by a master or service key without tools, allowing for independent operation on doors with either left or right opening, and enabling multiple lock configurations without altering deadlock plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex mechanism with provisional and definitive blocks is used to disable work-site keys, then key disabling functionality is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the key disabling functionality from a complex provisional/block replacement mechanism and implements it through a simple cam-based system. The cam mechanism, when actuated by the master key, directly disables the work-site key capability without requiring replacement of entire lock blocks or escutcheons.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock system performs self-service by automatically disabling the work-site key when the master key is inserted and turned. The cam mechanism is automatically actuated by the master key operation, eliminating the need for specialized staff intervention or manual reconfiguration of lock components.
2Reliability
If specialized staff intervention and on-site testing are required for key disabling, then proper lock configuration is ensured, but loss of time and operational efficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the master key automatically configures the lock by actuating the cam mechanism. This eliminates the need for specialized staff intervention and on-site testing, allowing facility managers or authorized personnel to perform key disabling independently and immediately.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism is pre-configured within the lock body to perform the disabling action automatically when the master key is inserted. The geometric design of the cam ensures that the disabling function is executed as a preliminary action during the key insertion process, eliminating subsequent testing requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If doors with different orientations (left/right opening) require different lock configurations, then proper functional fit is achieved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is designed with universal geometric features that allow it to function correctly regardless of door opening orientation. The same lock body and cam assembly can be installed on both left-opening and right-opening doors, eliminating the need for orientation-specific variants and reducing inventory requirements.
4Reliability
If testing must be performed on installation site rather than in factory, then actual operating conditions are verified, but productivity and installation time decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism and its interaction with the master key are pre-configured and pre-tested during factory assembly. The geometric design ensures that the disabling function operates correctly under various conditions, allowing the lock to be installed without subsequent on-site testing and immediately投入use.
Data Source
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AI summary
The safety lock of the type with deadlock plates, in particular for armored doors, comprises a keyhole in which a first operating key for a plurality of locks can be inserted, means for disabling said first key operated by a second key that can be inserted in the keyhole and is operative only on the lock, and means for actuating at least one element for closing the lock irrespective of the deadlock plates.