my secure lock concept

[Avenger]

but what prevents normal keys from corrosion then? they are metal-like, and can corrode eventually. same with this, eventually yes, but i dont see key falling apart in 5 days or so

[Jaakko]

but what prevents normal keys from corrosion then? they are metal-like, and can corrode eventually. same with this, eventually yes, but i dont see key falling apart in 5 days or so

Brass is very corrosion resistant stuff and nickel-silver alloys too. Yes, both of them will corrode over time, but I think they will wear down because of use before that.

And Avenger, in your lock idea the corrosion is very bad factor because the metal parts have to conduct electric current. If it corrodes it won't conduct.

[Shrub]

Nope, brass corrodes instantly not over a period of time,

File a piece of brass and leave it in the air for 10 mins or less, now notice how its dull? thats because the air is attacking the surface and its oxidiseing,

Wear on brass keys is highly compicated, its not 100% the materials rubbing together that does it orelse your locks would be full of brass dust,

What happens is that the key is cut and then inserting in and out of a lock keeps it clean to the point of the oxidiseation is scraped off somewhat by the locks internals,
Speed this up a few hundred times and you will find the key worn badly,

Im not trying to pretend thats what key wear is but im explaining why they dont corrode worse than they do,

Dirt is a corroders friend and emeny, it can make a covering stopping the air getting to things and corrodeing but it also keeps damp in which affects steels,

Keys are normally chromed (or some other material plated on top) to prevent corrosion,

[greyman]

Shrub - I think rust is oxidization - but for iron. Rust is iron oxide, I believe (mind you, I was crap at school chemistry - dropped out before I finished school, then found I needed to take it up again when I studied engineering )

The electrical contacts are the weak point - even with gold contacts, the amount of wear and tear on a key will kill them pretty quick. This is why you don't see many hybrid (electronic + mechanical) keys that use actual contacts, and why transponders are so popular. Good quality printed circuit board edge connectors use gold plating - but you don't pull them out and pop them back in 5 times a day like a key.

You could try a push-contact design like Videx, ie a small number of contacts that push up directly against the face of the lock rather than sliding alongside in a slot. Less wear and tear and with spring loading you should get a good connection.

[Shrub]

Shrub - I think rust is oxidization - but for iron. Rust is iron oxide, I believe

Yes it is,

[Avenger]

now that corrosion is such a problem, would this solve it:

concept as it is works with little contacts on edges of circuit board. you could for example put a little metal in the holes of part that comes on top of circuit board, which would make contact more wide, thus making it better, because if one part corrodes, the other will still conduct el energy. it would make pins look a little different but who cares

[Shrub]

Well somthing as simple as you have already suggested would solve the issue by way of a sprung flap,

I have to ask though what is this for?

Is it a school project or commercial venture or simple for interest?

If its any of those i cant understand why your still goign with your original concept even though you have had so many great other ideas hinted at you and so many flaws pointed out on your design, i must surely be missing somthing,
I just thought you would have moved along on the design a little more instead of wondering how to stop a pin from rusting,

As far as your design goes i think its reached its limit but by al means proove me wrong and make me eat my words,

[Avenger]

aah, perhaps youre right, im complicating more than necessary.
it is just my concept, no special interest in it except pure knowledge.

now, lets get back to more inovative thinking...

[I Vallen I]

i Already have a "unpickable lock" Its a mercury mark 2 they are no longer being made
http://s91.photobucket.com/albums/k299/I_Vallen_I/?action=view&current=07-06-07_0715.jpg

[cjames73]

i Already have a "unpickable lock" Its a mercury mark 2 they are no longer being made
http://s91.photobucket.com/albums/k299/I_Vallen_I/?action=view&current=07-06-07_0715.jpg

this thread is about a secure lock concept, not a unpickable lock.
BTW, your magnetic lock isnt as secure as you may think