Variable Pitch Lock Encoding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locks with equally spaced blocking elements are limited in encoding variations and increase in complexity and cost when additional blocking elements are added, necessitating a more efficient configuration.
Innovation Solution
A lock design featuring at least two different pitch values, where the second pitch value is a multiple of the first, allowing for varied distribution of step values among locking elements to enhance encoding capabilities without increasing complexity or cost, and a manufacturing process associating specific lock distributions with product categories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional blocking elements are added to increase encoding variations, then the number of different encryption methods increases, but the lock complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pitch parameter (spacing distance) between locking elements from a uniform value to multiple different values. By varying the pitch between adjacent locking elements, the system achieves increased encoding variations without adding more blocking elements, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of variation by using different pitch values between locking elements along the rotational axis. Instead of increasing the number of elements radially, the invention exploits the axial spacing dimension to create additional encoding possibilities, thereby increasing versatility without proportionally increasing complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional blocking elements are added to increase encoding variations, then the number of different encryption methods increases, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By modifying the pitch parameter between locking elements instead of adding more elements, the patent reduces manufacturing cost. The varying pitch can be achieved through standard manufacturing processes without requiring additional blocking elements, thereby improving versatility while maintaining ease of manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a limited number of different pitch values (not every possible spacing variation) to achieve sufficient encoding variations. This partial approach provides adequate versatility while avoiding the excessive complexity and cost that would result from using all possible pitch combinations
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The lock (100) comprises: - a stator (102); - a rotor (106) mounted for rotation relative to the stator (102) about an axis, called axis Δ, and having a key insertion channel (108) into which axis Δ extends; and - locking elements (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H) for the rotor (106) arranged successively along axis Δ and each separated from the next by a distance, called a "pitch," the locking elements being designed to detect the insertion of a compatible key into the channel (108) to allow rotation of the rotor (106) relative to the stator (102). At least two pitches have different values (P1, P2).