Angled Key Head Elastic Snap-Fit Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing key housings for motor vehicles, particularly emergency keys, face difficulties in allowing easy gripping and removal due to integration with the housing for aesthetic and discreet purposes, leading to challenges in handling and extraction.
Innovation Solution
A key box design featuring an insert housing and reception space with angled axes, reversible clipping means, and elastic components that apply deformation stresses to secure the key head in a clipped position, allowing for easy release and improved grip by utilizing the natural elasticity to offset the key head, facilitating extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the emergency key is integrated closely with the box for discretion and aesthetics, then the appearance is improved, but the ease of gripping and removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The key head is designed to be movable between a clipped position (integrated with the box) and a free position (extractable). The elastic element enables dynamic transition between these states, allowing the key to be securely held during normal use but easily removed when needed by applying extraction force.
Solution Approach 2:
The angle between the insert axis and key head axis is designed to be different from the angle between the insert housing axis and reception space axis. This angular parameter difference creates deformation stresses in the elastic element during clipping, and upon release, these stresses cause the key head to partially shift from the reception space, improving grip accessibility.
2Reliability
If the key head is securely clipped to the box, then the reliability of key retention is improved, but the ease of extraction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clipping mechanism is designed as a dynamic system where the elastic element stores energy during secure clipping. This stored energy creates a controlled resistance to extraction that ensures reliable retention during normal use, while allowing easy extraction when sufficient force is applied by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformation stresses applied to the elastic element during clipping, which initially seem to create resistance to extraction, are converted into a benefit: when the clipping means are released, these stored stresses automatically cause the key head to partially shift from the reception space, facilitating easier extraction and gripping.
3Ease of operation
If the key head is made extractable for easy gripping, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of key retention deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains reliability through the elastic element that continuously exerts a restoring force to keep the key head in the clipped position. The key is extractable when needed, but the elastic element ensures that upon release, the key automatically returns to a secured state, maintaining reliable retention for the next use cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element provides self-service by automatically restoring the key head to the clipped position after extraction. This self-securing mechanism ensures reliable retention without requiring additional components or manual intervention, maintaining both ease of operation and reliability.
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 design enhances the ability to grip and release the emergency key effectively, ensuring secure storage while allowing easy access and reducing the risk of damage during handling.
Implementation Method 1
deformation stresses are applied to said key head, the release of said deformation stresses when the key head returns to the free position causing a partial shift of said key head from the space of reception
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a key casing, including: a casing (7) including a recess (9) for an insert, which is oriented along an axis (A), and a receiving space (70), which extends along an axis (B), said axes (A, B) forming an angle (X); a key head (3) which extends along an axis (C) and which is attached to the insert (5) at an angle (Y); and a complementary, reversible snap-fitting means supported by the casing (7) and by the key head (3), said key head (3) being capable of passing from a free position to a position in which it is snap-fitted onto the casing (7) in the receiving space (70), wherein the angle (Y) at which the insert (5) is attached onto the key head (3) is different from the angle (X) such that, in order to move the key head (3) into the snap-fitted position, deformation stresses are applied onto said key head (3).