Swing Latch Lock Mechanism With Pin Aperture Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional locks lack mechanisms to resist forced entry and unauthorized access while allowing easy unlocking and relocking by authorized users.
Innovation Solution
A lock system featuring a swing latch, pins with hook and peg portions, and a channel for rotational movement, combined with a key having a keyed profile and a sleeve, allowing precise alignment and rotation to unlock and lock the mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional lock mechanisms are used, then the structure is simple, but they lack effective resistance to forced entry and unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is divided into multiple functional components: a swing latch assembly with keyed profile, multiple pins with apertures, a channel for rotational movement, and a keyed blade. Each component performs a specific security function, and their coordinated interaction creates multiple barriers against unauthorized access while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the keyed blade is inserted into the lock body, pins are positioned within the lock mechanism, and the swing latch rotates within a defined channel. The keyed profile on the blade interacts with corresponding profiles on the pins and latch, creating nested engagement zones that provide sequential security barriers
2Reliability
If traditional key systems are used, then the unlocking process is simple, but they lack resistance to manipulation and unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The keyed blade features an asymmetric keyed profile with specific tooth patterns and dimensions that must precisely match the corresponding profiles on the pins and swing latch. This asymmetric design prevents unauthorized keys from engaging the mechanism, as only the correctly coded key can simultaneously align all keyed profiles to enable pin retraction and latch rotation
Solution Approach 2:
Before the swing latch can rotate to unlock the mechanism, the keyed blade must first engage and retract all pins to their neutral positions. This preliminary action ensures that the latch is only freed when the correct key is present and properly positioned, preventing manipulation attempts from bypassing the security check
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed key configurations are used, then manufacturing is simple, but security flexibility and re-keying capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system is designed with dynamic reconfiguration capability through interchangeable keyed blades and pins. Each pin contains an aperture that can be positioned at different locations, and keyed blades can be manufactured with various tooth patterns. This dynamic adaptability allows the same lock body to accommodate multiple key configurations, enabling secure re-keying without replacing the entire lock mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A lock system includes a swing latch, one or more pins, and a channel. The swing latch includes a latch arm having a keyed profile at a first end and a swing bar extending from a second end. The one or more pins have a hook portion and a peg portion. The hook portion defines an aperture. The hook portion is configured to engage the swing bar and the aperture is configured to release the swing bar. The channel is configured to accommodate a rotational movement of the swing latch, such that, responsive to the aperture aligning with the swing bar, the swing latch is permitted to rotate through the channel.