Segmented Driver Pin Lock Retrofit for Bumping Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pin/tumbler locks are vulnerable to the 'bumping' lock picking technique and existing solutions for enhancing resistance are either expensive, difficult to implement as retrofits, or rely on passive mechanisms that do not effectively convert the 'bumping' pulse into a reaction pulse to maintain engagement with the shear line.

Innovation Solution

A reactive mechanism using a longer driver pin and a pivoting element to convert the 'bumping' pulse into a reaction pulse, allowing a second driver pin section to engage or maintain engagement with the shear line, independent of the lock's configuration and momentum intensity, and can be implemented as a retrofit without altering the lock's dimensions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional pin/tumbler locks are used, then the lock structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the lock is vulnerable to bumping attacks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to bumpingVSAvoidlock mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The driver pin is divided into two distinct sections: a first longer section that receives the bumping pulse and a second section that engages the shear line. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function independently, providing bumping resistance while maintaining compatibility with conventional lock structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A pivoting element is introduced as an intermediary component between the two driver pin sections. This pivoting element converts the axial bumping pulse into a reaction pulse that drives the second section to engage the shear line, effectively mediating the energy transfer and enabling the bumping-resistant mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If existing bumping-resistant solutions are implemented, then resistance to bumping is improved, but the solutions are expensive and difficult to implement as retrofits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to bumpingVSAvoidretrofit implementation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fractioned driver pin mechanism is designed to be universally applicable to conventional pin/tumbler locks. The components can be implemented as a retrofit by replacing only the driver pins within existing locks, without requiring alterations to the lock body or rotor, thereby enabling easy deployment across different lock systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanism uses dynamic movement of the pivoting element that rotates in response to the bumping pulse. This dynamic response allows the system to adapt to varying bumping forces and frequencies, providing effective resistance while maintaining simple implementation through straightforward component replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If passive mechanisms are used for bumping resistance, then the mechanism is simple, but it does not effectively convert the bumping pulse into a reaction pulse to maintain engagement with the shear line

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactive resistance to bumpingVSAvoidreaction mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanism converts the harmful bumping pulse (which normally causes driver pins to jump clear of the shear line) into a beneficial reaction pulse. The pivoting element transforms the axial impact into a rotational motion that actively drives the second driver pin section to engage or maintain engagement with the shear line, turning the attack force into a protective action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanism changes the directional parameters of the applied force through the pivoting element. By converting the axial bumping pulse into a reaction pulse with a different direction and application point, the system effectively counteracts the bumping attack while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The mechanism provides active resistance to 'bumping' by converting the 'bumping' pulse into a reaction pulse that enhances engagement with the shear line, maintaining lock security regardless of the lock's configuration or the intensity and frequency of the 'bumping' attempt, and can be easily integrated into existing pin/tumbler locks.

Implementation Method 1

the 'bumping' mechanical pulse is (at least partially) received by a first longer section of a longitudinally fractioned driver pin (counter-piston) and is eccentrically transmitted to a pivoting element that converts the received action, at least partially, in a reaction pulse

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric transmission: Eccentric

Implementation Method 2

moving the driver pin (9) away from the position in touch with the key pin (7) that is driving the system to achieve the configuration that is illustrated in the frame (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 3

all key pins are driven to touch the key cuts staying completely inside the shape of the lock plug. The picking is obtained by continuously applying a small torque and tapping the head of the key while its blade is fully inserted in the lock. In this configuration all key pins individually receive a tap momentum when touched by the sides of the key cuts and such momentum is partially transferred to the respective driver pins

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMomentum transfer: Conservation of Momentum

Data Source

PatentEP3230540B1Reactive bumping-resistance device that can be implemented in a lock possibly as a retrofit without alterations to the body or rotor of the same
Publication Date: 2019.11.20 VIRO INNOCENTI
  • EP3230540B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3230540B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3230540B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Apparatus that can be implemented in a conventional pin/tumbler (piston/counter-piston) cylinder lock type without substantial alterations of the hull (body) and/or of the plug (rotor) of the same lock and capable of making the lock resistant in a non-passive way to the lock picking techniques called "bumping" by means of a reaction in which the "bumping" mechanical pulse (5) that is (at least partially) received (15) by a first section (34) with greater length of a sectioned counter-piston, is eccentrically transmitted to a pivoting element (36) creating a mechanical torque (39) that converts it at least partially in a reaction pulse (38) applied to a second section (35) of the fractioned counter-piston along a direction that drives the said second section (35) to engage the lock position between the body (11 ) and the rotor (8).