Design and Operation
– A magnetic key uses small magnets to push or pull the lock’s internal tumblers, releasing the lock.
– It is a passive system that requires no electricity or electronics.
– Multiple magnets with different polarity and strength allow for thousands of different key combinations.
– Magnetic-coded technology uses magnetic pins embedded in keys and plugs.
– When a correctly matched key is inserted, both mechanical and magnetic pins are aligned.
Security Features
– Opening a magnetic-coded lock requires correct key teething, magnetic pin locations, and poles.
– Traditional lock picking is impossible due to the magnetic operation.
– Magnetic keys cannot be reproduced by locksmiths using sight or other human sensed information.
– The lock remains inoperable if any of the three criteria are not satisfied.
– Magnetic pins are made with permanent magnets that stay magnetized over time.
Key Combinations
– The number of magnetic-coded lock key combinations (N) is equal to C multiplied by 4 raised to the power of m.
– C represents the number of conventional pin-tumbler lock combinations.
– M represents the number of pairs of embedded magnets.
– Multiple pairs of magnets can be embedded, resulting in a higher number of combinations.
– The equation determines the total number of possible key combinations.
Advantages
– Anti-picking: Magnetic pins are not exposed, preventing traditional lock picking methods.
– Anti-bumping: No physical contact points between key and magnetic pins, eliminating the transmission of kinetic energy.
– Key control: Limited access to key blanks and unique magnetic coding minimize unlawful key duplications.
– Cost effectiveness: Manufacturing based on the pin and tumbler platform reduces costs compared to high-security locks.
– Comparable security features at a lower manufacturing cost.
Disadvantages
– Manufacturing complexity: Special tools and procedures are required to embed magnets in keys and locks.
– Key control: Limited supply of blanks can make legitimate key duplication more difficult and expensive.
– Challenges in duplicating keys, especially after one is lost.
– Increased manufacturing cost for high-security locks with new locking mechanisms.
– (No information provided)Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic-coded_lock
