Dual-Pole Hall Sensor Steering Lock Anti-Theft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric steering lock devices can falsely detect the lock member as being at the unlock position due to external electromagnetic fields, leading to potential engine start with the steering wheel still locked, which poses a risk of theft.
Innovation Solution
The electric steering lock device employs a dual-pole magnetic detection system with north-pole and south-pole magnetic detection elements placed orthogonally to the moving direction of the magnet, ensuring that both elements must be activated simultaneously to confirm the unlock position, thereby preventing false detection and ensuring the lock member fully engages or disengages the steering shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple magnetic detection elements are placed at the unlock-side position to detect the lock member position, then the reliability of position detection is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to false detection by external electromagnetic fields
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic detection system is segmented into multiple independent detection elements (first and second magnetic detection elements) positioned at different locations. Each element independently detects magnetic field changes, and the control unit processes signals from both elements to determine lock member position. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish true position changes from electromagnetic interference by comparing signals from multiple sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring magnetic field changes through multiple detection elements and using the control unit to process this information. The control unit receives feedback from both magnetic detection elements and adjusts its determination of lock member position based on the combined signals, enabling it to reject false signals from external electromagnetic fields while responding to genuine position changes.
2Reliability
If multiple magnetic detection elements are used to prevent false detection, then the safety against theft is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic detection system is segmented into multiple independent detection elements (first and second magnetic detection elements) positioned at different locations. Each element independently detects magnetic field changes, and the control unit processes signals from both elements to determine lock member position. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish true position changes from electromagnetic interference by comparing signals from multiple sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring magnetic field changes through multiple detection elements and using the control unit to process this information. The control unit receives feedback from both magnetic detection elements and adjusts its determination of lock member position based on the combined signals, enabling it to reject false signals from external electromagnetic fields while responding to genuine position changes.
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
This configuration prevents the lock member from being falsely detected as unlocked, ensuring the engine can only be started when the steering wheel is properly unlocked, thus preventing theft and enhancing the reliability of the locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet configured to move in conjunction with the lock member; magnetic detection means for detecting a magnetic force of the magnet
Data Source
AI summary
An objective is to provide an electric steering lock device capable of preventing a lock member from being falsely detected as being at an unlock position to unfailingly ensure that an engine is started with a steering wheel being unlocked. In the electric steering lock device, magnetic detection means placed at a position corresponding to an unlock position of the lock member is configured by including a Hall element (north-pole magnetic detection element) configured to be turned on when detecting the north pole of a magnet fixed to the lock member and a Hall element (south-pole magnetic detection element) configured to be turned on when detecting the south pole of the magnet. A microcomputer (control means) determines that the lock member has moved to the unlock position when the Hall elements (north-pole and south-pole magnetic detection elements) are both turned on, and then stops driving an electric motor (electric actuator).