Universal Lock Cylinder With Self-Contained Disc Detainer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional locking devices with rotating disc-detainer (RDD) technology have limited security due to a low number of discs, and require complex assembly/disassembly for interchangeability, failing to meet high-security needs.

Innovation Solution

A self-contained universal lock cylinder with an integral rotating disc-detainer, allowing interchangeable lock cylinder forms without disassembly, and using a greater number of discs for enhanced security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional lock cylinders with limited discs are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the security level deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity levelVSAvoidnumber of discs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock cylinder is divided into multiple independent disc segments (at least 12 discs), each contributing to the overall security. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high security through cumulative complexity rather than relying on a single complex mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from conventional low-disc RDD technology to a multi-dimensional disc arrangement with at least 12 discs stacked in sequence, creating additional layers of security through increased dimensional complexity in the disc stack.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional interchangeable lock cylinders are used, then adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complex assembly/disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveinterchangeabilityVSAvoidassembly simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lock cylinder integrates the housing, rotating disc-detainer mechanism, and shackle into a single self-contained universal unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate assembly components, allowing the entire cylinder to be replaced as one piece while maintaining interchangeability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The universal lock cylinder design incorporates a standardized interface that allows a single cylinder form to function across multiple lock applications and configurations, enabling broad adaptability without requiring different assembly procedures for different uses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If conventional lock cylinders are used, then device complexity is reduced, but the number of combinations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of combinationsVSAvoidcylinder structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple discs are nested within the cylinder housing in a compact stacked arrangement, with each disc containing multiple positions. This nesting creates an exponential increase in possible combinations while maintaining a compact cylinder structure that doesn't excessively increase external dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The discs are pre-configured with specific position arrangements and coding mechanisms during manufacturing, allowing the system to provide billions of pre-calculated combinations without requiring complex real-time computation or adjustment mechanisms during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250327340A1Lock cylinder

Publication Date: 2025.10.23 PACIFIC LOCK CO

AI summary

A universal lock cylinder with a housing that houses a rotating disc detainer. The universal lock cylinder is self-contained. The universal lock cylinder may comprise an integral shackle and may comprise of two pieces. The universal lock cylinder is detachably associated with a protective lock casing. An outer surface of the housing of the universal lock cylinder is configured commensurate with an inner surface of a case cylinder retainer opening of a protective lock casing.