Rotary Lock Key With Tapered Cross Section And Movable Control Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rotary locking systems lack sufficient security against manipulation and copying, with a need for enhanced query security and increased locking permutations.

Innovation Solution

A key with a tapered cross section and a control element that includes a bolt and spring mechanism, allowing for additional query elements and increased design freedom, which enhances security by requiring multiple interactions for proper alignment and operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a standard cylindrical key shaft is used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the design freedom for tumblers is limited and additional query elements cannot be accommodated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign freedom for tumblersVSAvoidkey shaft structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The key shaft features a localized tapered cross-section in the area of the control element, while maintaining a cylindrical cross-section in other areas. This local modification provides the necessary design freedom for the tumbler interaction without unnecessarily complicating the overall key shaft structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a dimensional change by transitioning from a uniform cylindrical cross-section to a tapered cross-section. This dimensional variation creates additional spatial freedom for positioning and designing the tumbler and control element interaction, enabling more complex security mechanisms

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

2Ease of operation

If the control surface is located on the outside of the tapered cross section, then the key is more compact, but the contact with the tumbler cannot force a second query

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompactness of keyVSAvoidsecurity against copying
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control element is designed to be movable within the key shaft, allowing it to protrude and make contact with the tumbler. This dynamic positioning enables the control surface to be spaced from the outside of the tapered cross section while still effectively interacting with the tumbler to force a second query, thereby enhancing security without compromising compactness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution significantly increases the security of the rotary locking system by requiring multiple interactions and additional query elements, making it more resistant to manipulation and copying, while also increasing the number of locking permutations for enhanced protection.

Implementation Method 1

The control element comprises a bolt and spring element arranged in a hole in the key, in particular a compression spring, which spring element applies a force to the bolt which pushes the control element outwards as seen from the key shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3372759B1Key and lock cylinder with key
Publication Date: 2020.12.16 ASSA ABLOY (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP3372759B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3372759B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3372759B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A key (1) for a rotary lock cylinder (2) comprises a key handle (3) and a key shaft (4) adjoining the key handle (3), which extends along a longitudinal axis (L), wherein the key shaft (4) has on its outer side (5) control recesses (10), in particular control bores, for engaging tumblers on the rotary lock cylinder (2) and at least one control element (6) movably arranged in the key shaft (4), which control element (6) has a control surface (8) that cooperates with a tumbler (7) of the rotary lock cylinder (2). The key is further characterized in that the key shaft (4) has a tapered cross-section (9) in the area of ​​the control element (6), which is tapered compared to the cross-section (11) with the control recesses (10).