Tapered Lock Core Inserts and Keys for Tumbler Pin Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock cores and keys lack versatility and efficiency in aligning tumbler pins for secure and efficient unlocking, leading to potential security vulnerabilities and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
The development of interchangeable lock cores and keys with features such as tapered surfaces, lugs, and shuttles, along with a core plug and insert system that allows for precise alignment of pins using bitting and tapered surfaces, enabling secure and efficient unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional lock cores and keys are used, then the locking mechanism is simple, but the alignment precision of tumbler pins is insufficient and security is vulnerable
Solution Approach 1:
The lock core is divided into separate functional components: a core body with pin-receiving apertures, a core plug with pin-receiving apertures, and interchangeable pins. This segmentation allows for precise manufacturing of each component while maintaining overall system functionality, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The core plug serves multiple functions: it receives and aligns multiple pins simultaneously, provides a keyway for key insertion, and acts as a rotational interface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, maintaining simplicity while achieving precise pin alignment through its specially designed aperture arrangement.
2Ease of operation
If traditional keys are used, then the key structure is simple, but the ease of operation and unlocking efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The key is segmented into distinct functional features: a shaft portion for insertion, bitting elements for pin engagement, and a tapered surface for alignment. This segmentation allows each feature to perform its specific function efficiently, improving ease of operation while keeping the overall key structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered surface on the key is designed to preliminarily align the pin-receiving apertures before the key is fully inserted and the pins are engaged. This preliminary alignment action ensures that when the key is inserted, the pins are already positioned correctly, enabling quick and easy unlocking without requiring complex key movements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed lock core design is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the adaptability and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The lock core system is segmented into a core body and interchangeable core plugs with different pin configurations. This allows the same core body to support multiple lock types by simply changing the core plug and pins, providing high adaptability while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes for each individual component.
Solution Approach 2:
The core body is designed with universal pin-receiving apertures that can accommodate different pin configurations and core plug variants. This universal design enables a single core body to serve multiple locking functions and applications, significantly improving versatility without requiring complex manufacturing processes for the core body itself.
4Reliability
If standard key design is used, then the key production is simple, but the security and resistance to copying is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The key incorporates asymmetric bitting patterns and tapered surfaces that are difficult to replicate. The specific arrangement of bitting elements and the precise angular orientation of tapered surfaces create a unique mechanical interface that is challenging to copy, thereby improving security while remaining manufacturable through standard machining processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered surface on the key performs a preliminary alignment function that is difficult to replicate without the exact geometric precision. This preliminary action ensures that only the correct key can properly align and engage the pins, providing security against copying while maintaining ease of manufacture through conventional machining techniques.
Data Source
AI summary
A lock core and key assembly includes a core body, a core plug having a core plug insert-receiving aperture, a core plug insert positioned in the core plug insert-receiving insert, and a key. The core plug insert has a taper and the key has a bow and a shank with a taper that aligns with the taper of the core plug insert.