Tamper-proof Lock Cylinder with Remote Security Pins

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tamper-proof lock cylinders are vulnerable to forced entry after stator splitting, as the blocking element can be exposed and easily attacked, and the cylinder may be compromised using tools like drill bits.

Innovation Solution

The tamper-proof lock cylinder features a stator with axially extended sections, a control cam with a pawl, and rotors with extensions that engage a solidly constrained bushing, along with security pins and sensors that move the pins to block the rotor rotation, positioning the blocking element remotely and reducing attack surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the blocking element is positioned to block rotor rotation after stator splitting, then the lock provides tamper-proof protection, but the blocking element becomes exposed and vulnerable to attack

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetamper-proof protectionVSAvoidexposure to attack
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking element is moved from a radial/axial position to a circumferential position within the cylindrical channel, changing its spatial dimension. This allows the blocking element to remain effective at preventing rotor rotation while being positioned in a location that is not directly exposed to external attack vectors after stator splitting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking element is nested within the cylindrical channel structure, which itself is contained within the stator assembly. This nested arrangement allows the blocking element to be protected by the surrounding structural elements while still performing its blocking function when activated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If the stator is designed with facilitated breakage sections for tamper detection, then the lock can detect splitting, but exposed zones are created that can be easily attacked with tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesplitting detectionVSAvoideasy attack zones
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cylindrical channel acts as an intermediary structure that houses both the control cam mechanism and the blocking element. This intermediary design allows the tamper detection function to be separated from the blocking function, enabling the blocking element to be positioned in a protected location within the channel rather than at the exposed breakage sections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If the blocking element is positioned remotely to reduce attack surfaces, then resistance to forced entry is enhanced, but the complexity of the cylinder structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to forced entryVSAvoidcylinder structure
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cylindrical channel serves multiple functions: it houses the control cam, contains the blocking element, and provides structural support. By making this single structural element multi-functional, the patent achieves remote positioning of the blocking element without proportionally increasing overall structural complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the blocking element with the control cam assembly within the same cylindrical channel space. This merging of functions allows the blocking mechanism to be integrated into the existing structural framework rather than requiring separate additional components, thereby limiting the increase in complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3768920B1Tamper-proof lock cylinder
Publication Date: 2021.11.17 ISEO SERRATURE
  • EP3768920B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3768920B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3768920B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The tamper-proof lock cylinder comprises a stator (2, 3, 4) having a cylindrical channel (5), a control cam (6, 7, 8) having a pawl (8) and a cylindrical bushing (6, 7), a right actuating rotor (9, 21) and respectively a left actuating rotor (10, 22) of the control cam (8); the right rotor (9, 21) and respectively the left rotor (10, 22) comprise a right rotor body (9) and respectively a left rotor body (10) positioned in a right side stator portion (3) and respectively in a left side stator portion (4) and a right rotor extension (21) and respectively a left rotor extension (22) engaged in a solidly constrained manner in rotation with the right rotor body (9) and respectively with the left rotor body (10) and positioned in a central stator portion (2); the right rotor extension (21) and respectively the left rotor extension (22) engage and are axially blocked in a right side of the cylindrical bushing (6, 7) and respectively in a left side of the cylindrical bushing (6, 7); inside the cylindrical bushing (6, 7) a cursor (31, 32, 33, 34, 35) is present that is axially slidable between a disconnected position and a solidly constrained connected position of rotation of the cylindrical bushing (6, 7), which is selected between either the right rotor extension (21) or the left rotor extension (22); the stator (2, 3, 4) supports a first breakage sensor (42) of a facilitated breakage right section (19) and second breakage sensor (43) of a facilitated breakage left section (20) of the stator; in the central stator portion (2) a first security pin (45) and respectively a second security pin (46) are present that are moveable to solidly constrain in rotation the cylindrical bushing (6, 7) to the right rotor extension (21) and respectively to the left rotor extension (22), a first actuating element (47) of the first security pin (45) controlled by the second breakage sensor (43) and a second actuating element (48) of the second security pin (46) controlled by the first breakage sensor (42).