Antitheft Wheel Lock Grooved Flange Tamper Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antitheft locking devices for motor vehicle wheels are vulnerable to severe tampering attempts using tools other than the complementary key, and the chroming process used to enhance appearance can lead to rust and mass imbalances due to imperfect coverage and increased chrome layer thickness.
Innovation Solution
The antitheft locking device features a grooved flange radially extending around the guiding portion, positioning the engagement means near the rim surface to prevent fraudulent turning and reduce tampering, while allowing for optional chroming without affecting aesthetics and maintaining mass balance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the engagement means (groove or holes) are provided in the head of the antitheft device, then the device can be turned by the complementary key, but the device becomes vulnerable to tampering with tools other than the key
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the engagement means (groove or holes) on the peripheral surface of the head rather than on the top surface. This spatial relocation to a different dimension/surface prevents tools from accessing the engagement means, as the peripheral surface is obscured by the rim when the wheel is mounted. The key still accesses these features through the hub opening, maintaining operational functionality while preventing unauthorized tampering.
2Reliability
If a thick chrome layer is applied to the head for aesthetic appearance and rust protection, then the appearance is improved and corrosion resistance increases, but the mass of the device increases causing wheel balance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies chrome plating selectively only to the peripheral surface of the head and to the engagement means (groove or holes), rather than covering the entire head surface. This localized chroming provides corrosion protection and aesthetic appearance where most needed (exposed surfaces and functional features) while minimizing added mass. The chrome layer thickness is controlled to be sufficient for protection but not excessive to avoid significant weight increase.
3Ease of operation
If the engagement means are positioned on the top surface of the head, then the key can easily engage and turn the device, but the device becomes accessible to fraudulent turning attempts with other tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the engagement means from the top surface to the peripheral surface of the head. This dimensional change in positioning ensures that when the wheel is mounted on the vehicle, the peripheral surface is hidden behind the rim and inaccessible to external tools. The key accesses the engagement means through the hub opening, maintaining ease of operation during legitimate unlocking while preventing fraudulent turning attempts from the outside.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Antitheft locking device (3) for fixing a wheel to a motor vehicle hub, the device being made in the form of nut or bolt and comprising a head (11) provided with a guiding portion (11a) for a complementary key (9) with which it is possible to rotate said device, and with a portion (11b) equipped with engagement means (13) for said complementary key (9), wherein said guiding portion (11a) comprises a blank bushing (19), which is freely rotatably mounted around the guiding portion (11a) of the head (11), and wherein said portion (11b) on which said engagement means (13) are provided radially extends around the guiding portion.