Removable Cartridge Locking Mechanism for Vehicle Theft Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing removable cartridge locking systems in vehicles are vulnerable to theft before delivery, as the locking/unlocking button is accessible to passengers, allowing potential removal of the cartridge during transport to dealers.

Innovation Solution

A locking system that uses a movable member and trigger mechanism to prevent cartridge extraction by blocking the actuation of the trigger, ensuring the cartridge remains secured within the housing until the vehicle is sold, utilizing a combination of a rotatable plate, actuating axis, and return spring to maintain the cartridge's position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a locking/unlocking button is made accessible to passengers for easy cartridge removal, then ease of operation is improved, but security against theft during transport deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of cartridge removalVSAvoidtheft risk during transport
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the triggering means movable between two positions: a first position allowing cartridge removal during normal use, and a second position blocking removal during transport. The triggering means is moved to the second position before vehicle delivery and remains there until the vehicle is sold, thus dynamically adapting the locking state to different operational phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the triggering means in the blocked state before the vehicle is delivered to the dealer. This preliminary blocking action prevents theft during transport, and the blocking state is maintained until the vehicle is officially sold, at which point the blocking is removed to allow normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a separate blocking system is added to prevent cartridge removal during transport, then security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetheft preventionVSAvoidlocking system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the blocking function with the existing triggering means used for normal cartridge removal. Instead of adding a separate blocking mechanism, the same triggering means is used for both purposes: it allows removal in the first position and blocks removal in the second position. This integration avoids increasing device complexity while achieving the security goal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The triggering means serves multiple functions: it enables cartridge removal during normal use (first position) and prevents cartridge removal during transport (second position). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate blocking and unblocking mechanisms, maintaining simplicity while achieving security during transport phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system effectively prevents unauthorized removal of the cartridge during transport and allows easy unlocking for cartridge replacement after vehicle delivery, enhancing security and user convenience.

Implementation Method 1

said system comprising a movable member, intended to close and/or open one and/or openings of said cartridge, said system further comprising a trigger, intended to authorize an extraction of said cartridge from the housing in the event of actuation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3002142B1System for locking a removable cartridge in a housing
Publication Date: 2018.08.29 VALEO SYST THERMIQUES SAS
  • EP3002142B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3002142B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3002142B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a system for locking a detachable cartridge (130) in a housing (100). The system includes a movable member for closing and/or opening one and/or a plurality of openings (260a, 260b) of the cartridge (130), and a releasing mechanism (250) for allowing detachment of the cartridge (130) from the housing (100) during actuation, wherein the movable member is configured to prevent actuation of the releasing mechanism (250), i.e., prevent detachment of the cartridge (130) from the housing (100).