Unitary Lock Adapter Merging Shield and Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock cylinders are susceptible to tampering and have complex, time-consuming installation processes due to the indirect connection of the spin ring, adapter, and shield, which creates joints that can be exploited and requires manual handling of multiple components during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A lock cylinder design where the spin ring interface and shield portion are formed as a single piece, directly attached to the housing, simplifying installation by allowing the adapter to be attached before the latch bolt assembly, and incorporating movable members for secure engagement with the door without manual holding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the spin ring, adapter, and shield are connected indirectly through separate pieces, then the lock cylinder can be assembled from separate components, but the joints between pieces create vulnerability to tampering and require manual holding during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter and shield are merged into a single integrated component called a unitary adapter. This eliminates the joint between separate adapter and shield pieces, removing the vulnerability to tampering while simplifying installation to a single component rather than multiple separate pieces
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used in the lock cylinder assembly, then flexibility in assembly is provided, but installation time increases and components may fall out during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter and shield are combined into a unitary adapter component, reducing the number of separate pieces from three (adapter, shield, end piece) to two (unitary adapter, end piece). This reduces installation time and eliminates the risk of component separation while maintaining assembly flexibility
3Ease of manufacture
If the adapter is not directly attached to the housing, then assembly from separate pieces is simplified, but the indirect connection creates joints that are vulnerable to tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter and shield are merged into a unitary adapter that is directly attached to the housing as a single integrated component. This eliminates the indirect connection through separate pieces and creates a strong, direct attachment while maintaining ease of assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A lock cylinder for a door including an opening, and operable to interact with a latch bolt assembly. The lock cylinder includes a housing that has a cavity, and a plug assembly that has a casing and a plug housed in the casing and rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The plug is operable to interact with the latch bolt assembly, and the casing is disposed within the cavity. The lock cylinder also includes a spin ring member that at least partially encloses the housing, and an adapter that is configured to be installed in the opening of the door and that includes a spin ring interface engaged with the spin ring member. The adapter further includes a shield portion extendable into the opening of the door, and the spin ring interface and the shield portion are formed as a single piece.