Universal Wrench With Detachable Magnetic Key Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing variety of lock and fastener designs and dimensions necessitates a key arrangement that can operate as many locks and fastening means as possible, which existing universal keys fail to efficiently accomplish.
Innovation Solution
A universal key with detachable attachment key elements, including square, triangular, and polygonal shapes, and a magnetic holding mechanism, allowing for increased versatility and stability in operating various locks and fasteners, and a key set design that enables multiple key arms and connecting elements for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional universal key with fixed key elements is used, then the key structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the number of locks and fasteners that can be operated is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The key is divided into a key body with fixed key elements and detachable attachment key elements. The attachment can be separated from the key body, allowing the key to be configured differently for different applications. This segmentation enables the key to operate multiple types of locks and fasteners without requiring a completely different key for each type.
Solution Approach 2:
The key body is designed with multiple key arms that can accommodate different types of attachment key elements (square, triangular, polygonal, beard, single bit, double bit). This multi-functionality allows a single key body to operate various types of locks and fasteners by simply changing the attachment, eliminating the need for multiple specialized keys.
2Adaptability or versatility
If detachable attachment key elements are added to increase versatility, then more lock types can be operated, but the risk of unintentional detachment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism uses a magnetic connection that provides a dynamic balance between ease of attachment/removal and secure holding. The magnetic force is strong enough to prevent unintentional detachment during normal use but weak enough to allow easy intentional removal when needed. This dynamic characteristic resolves the contradiction between security and usability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple key arms are arranged on the key body to increase functionality, then more key elements can be accommodated, but the key becomes harder to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The key functionality is segmented between the key body (which provides the handle and structural support) and the detachable attachment (which contains the operating key elements). This segmentation allows the key body to maintain a simple, easy-to-handle form while the attachment provides the necessary functional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic attachment mechanism acts as an intermediary between the key body and the attachment key elements. It allows the attachment to be easily connected and disconnected from the key body, enabling the user to select only the necessary key elements for each task, thus maintaining ease of handling while providing access to multiple key types.
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 universal key and key set significantly expand the number of locks and fasteners that can be operated, providing improved handling and functionality by doubling or tripling the number of key elements compared to conventional keys, while maintaining ease of use and secure attachment.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic holding mechanism, allowing for increased versatility and stability in operating various locks and fasteners
Data Source
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Figure 3A
AI summary
The invention relates to a universal key (2, 2'), in particular a universal control cabinet key. The key comprises several key elements (4) for opening/closing locking devices known per se and/or for actuating fastening means known per se. The key (2, 2') also comprises a key body (15) with at least one key arm (7) at the end of which a key element (4) is arranged. An attachment (5) can be detachably arranged in, on, or at the end of the key element (4), the attachment comprising at least one attachment key element (10, 11), in particular several attachment key elements (5). The universal key (2, 2') can be part of a universal key set (8).