Telecentric Key Profile Detection for Compact Key Cutting Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic key duplicating machines are bulky, prone to machining and positioning errors, and require laborious alignment, making them inconvenient and inefficient for detecting and reproducing key coding profiles.
Innovation Solution
A compact electronic key cutting machine with a device for detecting the coding profile, featuring a telecentric optical reader housed within the machine's base for precise key positioning and protected from external interference, and a movable drawer for easy key alignment, allowing precise and efficient detection and duplication of key codes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two clamps are used for original key and blank key, then key duplication function is achieved, but machine dimensions become bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of two separate clamps into a single integrated clamp that can hold both the original key and blank key simultaneously. This single clamp design integrates multiple clamping functions, reducing the overall machine volume while maintaining the ability to duplicate keys effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The single clamp is designed with multi-functionality to perform both clamping operations - holding the original key for reading and the blank key for cutting. This universal clamp structure eliminates the need for separate clamps, thereby reducing machine bulkiness while preserving full duplication capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two clamps are used for original key and blank key, then key duplication function is achieved, but machining errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the clamping functions into a single clamp, the patent eliminates positioning errors that would arise from aligning two separate clamps. The integrated design ensures that both keys are held in precise, predetermined positions relative to each other, significantly reducing machining errors in key duplication.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two clamps are used for original key and blank key, then key duplication function is achieved, but alignment operation becomes laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the alignment function into the single clamp design, where the geometric structure of the clamp automatically positions both keys in the correct alignment. This eliminates the need for separate, laborious alignment operations between two clamps, making the key duplication process much easier and faster.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If optical reader is exposed, then detection function is achieved, but optical components are vulnerable to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the optical reader within the protective structure of the single clamp assembly. The optical reader is positioned inside or within the integrated clamp structure, which shields it from external interference such as dust, chips, and environmental factors, while still allowing it to perform detection functions effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The single clamp structure acts as an intermediary protective barrier between the optical reader and the external environment. It allows light to pass through for detection while blocking harmful physical interference, thus protecting the optical components without compromising the detection function.
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 provides a convenient, precise, and efficient method for detecting and duplicating key coding profiles, reducing bulkiness and alignment errors, while protecting delicate optical components and enabling easy integration into existing machines.
Implementation Method 1
the optical reader comprises a light source facing the original key and a sensor which collects the rays emitted by said source and passing through the coded portion of the key
Data Source
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AI summary
Device (20) for detecting the coding profile of a key (21), of the type intended to be installed and/or provided inside a key cutting machine (1) comprising an operating area (2) provided of at least one milling and/or cutting unit (11) and of at least one clamp (12) for locking a key, and comprising: - an optical reader (22) which is configured to be entirely housed inside the structure of said duplicating machine (1) but outside the operating area (2) of said machine (1), - a drawer (24) provided with clamping means (26) to hold said key (21), whose coding profile is to be detected, in correspondence with its head and/or its stem and/or a connecting section between the head and the shaft of said key, said drawer (24) being configured to be movable towards and away from said optical reader (22), said device being characterized in that: - said optical reader (22) comprises a telecentric optic (23) interposed between said drawer (24) and at least one optical sensor (31) configured to collect at least one image of the coding profile of said key (21) held by said clamping means (26), - said telecentric optic (23), said at least one sensor and the framed area, which is defined inside said drawer (24), are aligned along the same optical axis which is substantially perpendicular to one face of said key (21) of which the coding profile is to be detected.