Telescoping Key Non-MACS Cuts for Pin Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing locking systems, particularly those with telescoping pins, are limited by the maximum adjacent cut specification (MACS), which restricts the depth of key cuts and reduces the number of possible key combinations, leading to potential jamming issues and reduced security.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of non-MACS key cuts, which are formed contrary to the conventional MACS definition, allowing for deeper key cuts and increased flexibility in key combinations by maintaining material at key cut stations to support pins at the shear line, thereby eliminating the MACS restrictions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional MACS key cuts are used for telescoping pins, then key cutting is straightforward with standard tools, but the number of possible key combinations is reduced and security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of key cut depth by introducing non-MACS key cuts that exceed the conventional maximum adjacent cut specification. This allows deeper cuts for telescoping pins while using the same key blank, thereby increasing the number of possible key combinations without changing the key blank itself
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of limiting key cut depth to MACS specifications, the patent inverts the approach by deliberately creating key cuts that exceed these specifications. The non-MACS key cuts go deeper than conventional cuts, removing material down to the support surface to enable proper positioning of telescoping pins at the shear line
2Manufacturing precision
If deeper key cuts are made for telescoping pins, then pin positioning at shear line is achieved, but adjacent cut material is removed causing pins to sit at incorrect depth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the key cut stations into distinct zones: MACS key cut stations with standard cutting depth, and non-MACS key cut stations with deeper cuts. Each station is independently controlled, allowing deeper cuts at non-MACS stations without affecting the material integrity or pin positioning at MACS stations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different cutting depths locally at different key cut stations. Non-MACS key cuts are made deeper only at specific stations where telescoping pins require additional material removal, while MACS key cuts maintain standard depth at other stations. This localized approach prevents harmful material removal interference while achieving precise pin positioning where needed
3Adaptability or versatility
If MACS restrictions are maintained, then key cutting is simple and reliable, but key compatibility and security are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single key blank universal by enabling it to accommodate both MACS and non-MACS key cuts. The key blank design with support surfaces allows different cut depths at different stations, providing multi-functionality that maintains compatibility with standard MACS keys while also supporting enhanced non-MACS cuts for improved security and pin positioning
Data Source
AI summary
A key device (10) includes a generally elongate shaft portion (12) including a key combination surface (16) that has a plurality of key cut stations (18) for forming telescoping key cuts at each key cut station (18). Each key cut station (18) has a telescoping maximum adjacent cut specification (MACS) that defines a maximum depth of adjacent. The key device (10) also has a non-MACS key cut (20), formed at one or more of the key cut stations (18), for interfacing with a first pin (24) of a given telescoping plug pin. The non-MACS key cut (20) is dimensioned to leave material in the elongate shaft portion (12) for forming another key cut (20A) for interfacing with a second pin (26) of the given telescoping plug pin.