Universal Drive Member for Lock Assembly Core Interchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock assemblies require multiple drive members and housings for different lock configurations, making them difficult to maintain and costly, as they need to be disassembled to change cores, and lack a universal solution for both mortise and rim cylinder configurations.
Innovation Solution
A lock assembly with a universal drive member that can interchangeably receive both first and second actuators, allowing for easy core replacement without disassembly, and reducing inventory needs by eliminating multiple drive members and housings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate drive members are used for mortise and rim cylinder configurations, then each configuration can be optimized independently, but the device complexity increases and inventory requirements multiply
Solution Approach 1:
The drive member is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate both mortise cylinder and rim cylinder actuators. The drive member includes a cylindrical bore with internal splines that can receive different actuator types, allowing a single drive member design to serve multiple lock configuration purposes, thereby reducing inventory and complexity.
2Device complexity
If the drive member is integral with the plug, then the structure is simplified, but the ease of operation for core replacement deteriorates as disassembly is required
Solution Approach 1:
The lock assembly is segmented into separable components: the plug can be removed from the housing independently, and the actuator can be detached from the drive member. This segmentation allows the core (plug) to be replaced without disassembling the entire lock assembly, maintaining structural simplicity while improving ease of operation for core replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator is extracted from the drive member as a separate removable component. The drive member includes features such as splines and retention mechanisms that allow the actuator to be easily attached and detached. This extraction enables core replacement without requiring disassembly of the housing or permanent attachment of the actuator, balancing structural simplicity with operational ease.
3Reliability
If the actuator is permanently attached to the drive member, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates as component replacement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the actuator and drive member is designed to be dynamically changeable rather than permanently fixed. The drive member includes splines and retention features that provide a secure, reliable connection during operation, while also allowing for easy detachment when repair or replacement is needed. This dynamic connection capability maintains reliability during use while improving ease of repair.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides for a lock assembly for selectively locking and unlocking a door using a key. The lock assembly includes a housing with a core removably disposed in the housing. A first actuator is coupled to the housing for defining a first lock configuration with a second actuator coupled to the housing independently from the first actuator for defining a second lock configuration. The core includes a keyway for receiving the key and is rotatable within the core between a locked position and an unlocked position. A universal drive member is coupled to the keyway and movable with the keyway between the locked and unlocked positions with the universal drive member interchangeably receiving the first actuator and the second actuator while the keyway remains in the core for interchanging the lock assembly between the first lock configuration and the second lock configuration.