Universal Key Blank with Edge and Side Bittings
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing key blanks are not efficiently designed to operate both vertically-oriented and horizontally-oriented lock cylinders, leading to increased inventory costs and complexity for locksmiths, as they require separate key blanks for different locking mechanisms and orientations.
Innovation Solution
A key blank with a unique design featuring edge and side bittings, longitudinal ribs, and warding grooves that allow it to be adapted for both vertically-oriented and horizontally-oriented keyways, ensuring compatibility and reducing the need for multiple key blanks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate key blanks are used for vertically-oriented and horizontally-oriented lock cylinders, then each key blank can be optimized for its specific orientation, but the inventory complexity and cost for locksmiths increases
Solution Approach 1:
The key blank is designed with a symmetric cross-sectional shape that allows it to function in both vertically-oriented and horizontally-oriented lock cylinders. The key blade can be rotated 90 degrees to adapt to different keyway orientations while maintaining proper engagement with the locking mechanism through complementary bittings on different surfaces of the same key blank.
2Device complexity
If a single key blank design is used for both orientations, then inventory costs are reduced, but the key may not fit properly in both vertically and horizontally oriented keyways
Solution Approach 1:
While the overall cross-sectional shape is symmetric to enable rotation, the key blank incorporates asymmetric bittings on different surfaces (edge bittings on top/bottom edges, side bittings on side edges) that engage with corresponding features in both vertical and horizontal keyways. This asymmetric bitting arrangement on a symmetric form allows proper engagement in both orientations.
3Ease of operation
If multiple key blanks are stocked for different locking mechanisms, then service capability is maintained, but the cost and space requirements for locksmiths increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functionality of multiple orientation-specific key blanks into a single universal key blank. By integrating both vertical and horizontal key engagement capabilities into one blade design, locksmiths can maintain service capability for both lock orientations while reducing inventory quantity from multiple key blank types to a single versatile type.
Data Source
AI summary
A key or key blank includes a key blade having a first edge, a second edge, and first and second opposed sides. The first edge has one or more edge bittings to elevate and/or rotate one or more tumbler pins of a lock with a vertically-oriented keyway, and one of the opposed sides has one or more side bittings to elevate and/or rotate one or more tumbler pins of a lock with a horizontally-oriented keyway. Side warding surfaces on the key blank are shaped and positioned to minimize the interference of peaks between the skewed bitting cuts on the key. A lock has a keyway configured for the key having edge bittings to elevate and/or rotate one or more tumbler pins of a vertical lock and side bittings to elevate and/or rotate one or more tumbler pins of a horizontal lock.