Deformable Control Member for Steering Column Antitheft Lock

The control member changes its physical state from elastic to plastic under attack conditions. During normal operation, the control member remains elastic and can be moved by the lock cylinder. When subjected to violent forces exceeding the yield threshold, the control member undergoes plastic deformation, permanently changing its shape and position to block the cam, thereby transforming the parameter of deformability from reversible to irreversible

The violent attack force that aims to compromise the system is converted into a beneficial outcome. The excessive force applied during an attack causes the control member to deform plastically, which inadvertently activates the superlocking function and blocks the cam, turning the harmful attack into the activation of the security mechanism

The control member is designed with specific material and geometric parameters that enable it to transition from elastic to plastic deformation under attack conditions. The yield threshold is carefully selected to be below the force required to compromise the lock cylinder but above normal operating forces, creating a passive security mechanism that activates automatically when subjected to excessive force

The control member serves dual functions: it acts as a normal control element during legitimate operation and automatically transforms into a blocking element when subjected to attack forces. The system does not require external sensors, actuators, or control systems to detect or respond to attacks - the deformable control member self-activates the security function through its own deformation