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Never Miss the Key Hole
Lost in the dark! That’s usually what happens when you get home from a long day of working, skateboarding, drinking, whatever! It’s dark outside, you wanna get into your house, but by golly if it isn’t the most difficult thing in the world to get that key aligned with the key hole in order to insert and turn! Here’s the key to this problem. The “V Lock.” It’s got a v. You put the key in the v. You open the door. Perfect.
I think you’ll understand this concept in basically 0 seconds. It’s just that obvious. Props to designer Junjie Zhang for making the world a more intuitive place, one lock at a time.
Designer: Junjie Zhang
165 Comments »
André says
Brilliant idea. I do not know how many times I have been swearing over that keyhole..
André says
Brilliant idea. I do not know how many times I have been swearing over that keyhole..
Misterfox says
Not bad. It’s so simple, it’s one of those “This should have been there in the first place”-kinda things
Alexi says
Hope this gets on the market soon. Weiser, Schlage, Yale, Kwikset, etc… y’all getting this?
Dogpants says
this doesn’t need to be manufactured by as an entirely new lock product. instead, it could be produced as a plastic accessory that attaches to any lock. that way, it could rotate in any direction, to ward off rain. and, not being firmly attached, it would offer no additional advantages to burglars.
i’ll be surprised if a) something like this wasn’t already available in japan, and b) we don’t see this in an infomercial in the US pretty soon.
Kai says
Great idea – not sure about external doors though? Won’t it channel rainwater into the lock?
CoolCow says
it really shouldn’t be a problem since this design can literally work upside down… the designer should try to patent this… although it doesn’t seem to be too hard to knock off though
groobah says
wont this also make picking the lock a lot easier though?
groobah says
wont this also make picking the lock a lot easier though?
Hessam says
Please notify me if you find it on the market. I really need it for my mother who is suffering from visual problems.
mif991 says
Good job Junjie. I hope you patented this….
Hessam says
Guys! He can not patent it. He can just protect its design.
reality says
which makes it worthless
ben says
Americans and patenting..Christ!
It doesn’t work that way in the rest of the world
DAN says
yeah the rest of the world just gets ripped off
DAN says
yeah the rest of the world just gets ripped off
Norman says
It’s totally patentable; both as a design patent and mechanical. I’m sure he did that before he put pics out.
Seth says
Can you patent ideas from nature?
Leon says
Yes.
cw says
Really? Strange, since a patent is awarded for a process. This isn’t a process, thus it isn’t eligible for a patent. There is no such thing as a “design patent”.
Pull your head out before you post comments on the Internet for the rest of the world to read.
Christopher says
Actually, in the U.S. at least, there is such a thing as a design patent. htt_p://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Design_patent (remove underscore in htt_p).
At a minimum, it’s best to be correct before adding that little insulting coda to your posts.
chris says
Totally sweet! Absolutely brilliant!
(I’m going to mod my existing lock until Junjie can get these on the market)
Jason says
My problem is finding the right key
Seth says
Well, keys come in all shapes and sizes, as keyholes do too. But you’d be surprised how well some keys can fit into some keyholes that you wouldn’t think they would. It takes some forcing, and there may be damage to the hole, but if you want to get in bad enough, it’s usually worth it.
rodney says
so clever, a very minor point though, could I be so humble as to suggest it be fitted upside down, so it does not allow dirt or water ingress, (if dirt or water gets in, the internal lock works may degrade)
Can it be screw on and replace the current lock ring and be made of a durable plastic?
M_Crow says
great design! the attachment should be as thin as possible though, otherwise we will all need new longer keys. this should be in new doors though!
justinjung says
so nice and simple solution!!!!!
R. Kelly says
put the key in the v – that’s what she said.
theopena says
what if it rains?
Story of O says
what if you are holding the key upside-down?
Player_16 says
You’er extremely pissed (50% chance of getting it wrong) or you don’t live there.
Manish Ahuja says
Clearly proves the point that winners don’t do different things. They just do things differently. Brilliant idea.
Rosochka_Crotton says
Everything genious is very simle
))
Engineer says
If you look at the latch it is backwards, the straight side should face towards the locked side and the curved side should face towards the inside.
David says
Actually, you're wrong Engineer. The latch itself entirely depends on the handing of the door. In this case the door would be a RH (Right Hand). To add though, it would be odd to have what appears to be a mortise lock, with a cylindrical latch.
David says
Actually, you're wrong Engineer. The latch itself entirely depends on the handing of the door. In this case the door would be a RH (Right Hand). To add though, it would be odd to have what appears to be a mortise lock, with a cylindrical latch.
Philip GREEN says
I want one.
Doesn’t matter if it rains, this is for the inside door, not the street door.
HAHA says
Worst idea ever. I’m not a criminal in the least, but seeing one of these would make me want to grab a prybar, slip it in the top, and break the lock.
I like the premise, but the execution makes the lock meaningless.
Jon H says
This was my thought also. Ought to give excellent leverage.
Player_16 says
Good observation. 1 revision: It needs to be countersunk into the door if mounted for exterior doors. Also, at present, your key would be longer than normal.
David says
Once again, a free-floating collar would best deter this. Or potentially any Grade-1 or UL437 lock, which are all tested for prying, twisting, and punching.
David says
Once again, a free-floating collar would best deter this. Or potentially any Grade-1 or UL437 lock, which are all tested for prying, twisting, and punching.
yiyomendez says
Perfect for alcoholic people like me.! xD
adam says
yeah if only i could get this for my car ignition! Perfect to ease the stress of drunk driving
Tom says
What’s the strength of the lock?
Because it’s not flush with the door, that looks mighty tempting to put a screwdriver/piece of metal in that slot, then attach a wrench, and twist.
The picture seems to show it’s part of the lock cylinder. So presumably you could also guess the pin positions for part of the lock too if you just wanted to pick it.
silifi says
It's not part of the lock cylinder. There's just a slot at the end of the V that leads into the lock mechanism, so you wouldn't be able to guess the pin positions any better than anything else.
silifi says
It's not part of the lock cylinder. There's just a slot at the end of the V that leads into the lock mechanism, so you wouldn't be able to guess the pin positions any better than anything else.
Ivan says
This design is not new. A similar trick was used by medieval designers since there was no artificial light indoors.
pb says
I saw a very large version of this idea, carved into a large wooden door in a medieval monastery in Germany. The monks would use it when they were a bit drunk!
memo says
Cool and neat.
Every lock should be like this!
Greg Skluzacek says
Why not get rid of the physical key and just have an electronic key that works by holding it up too where the key goes?
David says
That would require power. This is large argument in the Access Control world. You either have A) a dedicated power source, or B) Power source easily replaceable.
This creates two problems: If 'A' then how does one run a dedicated power source to the lock itself. If 'B', then what does one do if the lock loses power? Fail-safe (in the event of power loss, the door unlocks) or fail-secure (in the event of power loss, the lock remains locked).
This in turn, relies on why every serious access control device has a mechanical override, i.e. a key.
David says
That would require power. This is large argument in the Access Control world. You either have A) a dedicated power source, or B) Power source easily replaceable.
This creates two problems: If 'A' then how does one run a dedicated power source to the lock itself. If 'B', then what does one do if the lock loses power? Fail-safe (in the event of power loss, the door unlocks) or fail-secure (in the event of power loss, the lock remains locked).
This in turn, relies on why every serious access control device has a mechanical override, i.e. a key.
Dave says
You want the V on the bottom, not the top, otherwise dirt and water end up in the lock mechanism and jam it.
Jagath says
Great design. Perfect example of usability oriented re-design of common household devices.
Jon Fabritius says
Second the idea of turning it upside down.
Pollen, dust and other airborne items will pack into the bottom of the V even indoors, and rainwater will make it worse outside.
Besides, the key is probably travelling upwards (from a pocket or a bag) so the direction could be more natural.
Mark says
Really nice indeed. I’d buy this.
Toby says
Genius
rashomon says
The channel doesn’t have to be inverted for this to work for an outside lock; you could simply add an additional downward sloping taper to the bottom of the “V”. Also, there is an obvious analog in a cone-shaped channel for a cylindrical key.
Phil McThomas says
Solution looking for a problem?
Would you pay a locksmith $200 to switch out your existing lock for this? Over the course of a year, this might save you 30 seconds or so.
Think bigger my friend. What is the real problem you’re trying to solve?
Maneesh says
It should be upside down for use in places where it may be exposed to dust storms and rain. Otherwise, water and dust will clog the keyhole. Beautiful design otherwise. Thanks.
Andy says
Like it, but it likely cuts down teh structural integrity of the lock by some amount, could be slightly easier to break/kick in.
In the end of the day they’re just gonna knock the door down anyway, so it may as well be a pretty/more functional door. hehe
Tim says
Nice idea! people said the water and dirt would be an issue, and if outside, I would agree.
Perhaps make it into an hour glass shape, so that it may be accessed by both the bottom and the top, and would prevent water from clogging up the key hole. On the flipside you would loose the end U shape that signifies that the key has arrived at the hole. Perhaps you could have the shape sort of cone into the center?
Chuba says
Brilliant idea. But somehow, when you're drunk and stumbling, it'll still be impossible to find that damn key hole.
Chuba says
Brilliant idea. But somehow, when you're drunk and stumbling, it'll still be impossible to find that damn key hole.
@5N_a_d_i_a says
Great idea!
@5N_a_d_i_a says
Great idea!
Just...no says
Okay, come on guys. I can't be the only person here who thinks this thing makes the lock look like a freaking vagina.
Just...no says
Okay, come on guys. I can't be the only person here who thinks this thing makes the lock look like a freaking vagina.
Habibies says
my favorite one i like it
Habibies says
my favorite one i like it
stitch says
jesus christ just make something around the lock yourself. you have the idea now, just do it. could be as simple as a piece of wire and two drilled holes.
stitch says
jesus christ just make something around the lock yourself. you have the idea now, just do it. could be as simple as a piece of wire and two drilled holes.
Matt says
I don't get it.
Matt says
I don't get it.
the man says
this should be on all cars… approaching my car at night i can never find it… resulting in a few paint scratches…
Logan says
You know they make little LED flashlights that fit easily on a keychain for about $3, right?
the man says
this should be on all cars… approaching my car at night i can never find it… resulting in a few paint scratches…
Logan says
You know they make little LED flashlights that fit easily on a keychain for about $3, right?
jinx says
There would be 2 main issues here in the northwest of USA. First water would get into the lock, so it would have to be mounted upside down to prevent the water from getting inside. And secondly it often snows and have freezing rain which would freeze up the lock. Again turning it upside-down would prevent this from happening, while still making it easy to use.
jinx says
There would be 2 main issues here in the northwest of USA. First water would get into the lock, so it would have to be mounted upside down to prevent the water from getting inside. And secondly it often snows and have freezing rain which would freeze up the lock. Again turning it upside-down would prevent this from happening, while still making it easy to use.
sarasa says
Oh, yes! we're clearly in the presence of geniuses ¬¬
sarasa says
Oh, yes! we're clearly in the presence of geniuses
@dali_a says
very clever! good job
@dali_a says
very clever! good job
'Joseph Dent 'Shameless' says
haha brilliant!!!
Goose says
Excellent when i get drunk
'Joseph Dent 'Shameless' says
haha brilliant!!!
Goose says
Excellent when i get drunk
MikeT says
Like the idea…seen something similar at Reichsburg castle (Mosel, Germany). See "original" design at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/vanderhoorn/49957236...
MikeT says
Like the idea…seen something similar at Reichsburg castle (Mosel, Germany). See “original” design at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/vanderhoorn/49957236...
Allie says
First thought – Looks like a vagina
Second thought – It's called the v-lock. Reinforces first thought.
Third thought – is it really that hard to put a key into a lock?
Forth thought – maybe if you're drunk. Constantly drunk enough to purchase one.
Allie says
First thought – Looks like a vagina
Second thought – It's called the v-lock. Reinforces first thought.
Third thought – is it really that fucking hard to put a key into a lock?
Forth thought – maybe if you're drunk. Constantly drunk enough to purchase one.
David says
I'm a locksmith, and a simple fix to be any sort of drain hole to disallow water to collect at the bottom point.
While indeed a clever design, getting it to retrofit any of the standard 2 1/8" cylindrical locks commonly used in the US would be somewhat of a challenge, due to their different lengths between the door and the face of the cylinder.
For those concerned with someone twisting the lock out, the retrofit would merely have to have a free spinning design. Any lock that conforms to UL437 standards, or grade 1, are already tested for prying, twisting and punching.
The lock would see tremendous application to many storefronts, or exterior locks equipped with mortise cylinders, since their cylinder diameters are all standardized.
The lock is indeed worth exploring, especially for Schlage Primus. I cannot count the number of times I've had customers complain about the troubles they have had with aligning the key properly to allow insertion. An excellent lock, but troublesome for many of the elderly.
David says
I'm a locksmith, and a simple fix to be any sort of drain hole to disallow water to collect at the bottom point.
While indeed a clever design, getting it to retrofit any of the standard 2 1/8″ cylindrical locks commonly used in the US would be somewhat of a challenge, due to their different lengths between the door and the face of the cylinder.
For those concerned with someone twisting the lock out, the retrofit would merely have to have a free spinning design. Any lock that conforms to UL437 standards, or grade 1, are already tested for prying, twisting and punching.
The lock would see tremendous application to many storefronts, or exterior locks equipped with mortise cylinders, since their cylinder diameters are all standardized.
The lock is indeed worth exploring, especially for Schlage Primus. I cannot count the number of times I've had customers complain about the troubles they have had with aligning the key properly to allow insertion. An excellent lock, but troublesome for many of the elderly.
Kebin says
All we need now is little push pins on keys to designate which key it is, (the reason they are pins are not preset is, so don't if you lose them people can't just figure out "Oh hey this is someone's car/house key " ) so it would be even easier to travel in the dark
Kebin says
All we need now is little push pins on keys to designate which key it is, (the reason they are pins are not preset is, so don't if you lose them people can't just figure out “Oh hey this is someone's car/house key ” ) so it would be even easier to travel in the dark
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Andrew says
Hehe, will great for drank guys
anyway – good tech style, thanks.
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Andrew says
Hehe, will great for drank guys
anyway – good tech style, thanks.
btw, you always can check my blog at script tutorials too
Mitchell Joe says
I was just complaining about that very problem, here: http://www.happycomplainer.com/2011/02/on-opening... Thanks for a nice solution!
fajas colombianas says
Now that would be a cool way of putting the key in the V!!
fajas colombianas says
Now that would be a cool way of putting the key in the V!!
Gr33n Rabbit says
looool ! I think my neighbor could need that because one day he was trying to open the door with his mp3 player headphones.. But perhaps it’s another problem :S
Barney Waters says
Great blog article.Really looking forward to read more. Really Cool.
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