One-Sided Assembly of Electric Steering Lock Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric steering lock devices require assembling components from different directions, making automatic assembly and cost reduction challenging due to complex assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A method for assembling electric steering lock devices where components like the drive part, lock stopper, lock bar, and spring are built into the lock body from the same direction, using a gear mechanism and bush press fitting to facilitate automatic assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If components are assembled from different directions as in conventional electric steering lock devices, then the device structure is stable, but the assembly process becomes complex and automatic assembly cannot be realized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing the lock body with a one-sided access configuration where all components (drive part, rotation shaft, lock stopper, lock bar, and spring) are accessible and assembleable from a single direction. This asymmetric design breaks the conventional multi-directional assembly requirement, enabling automated assembly systems to efficiently assemble all components through one access point without complex positioning requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from multi-directional (3D access from multiple sides) to single-directional (1D linear access) assembly by redesigning the lock body structure. All components are arranged linearly along one assembly direction, converting a complex spatial assembly problem into a simplified linear sequencing problem that can be easily handled by automated assembly equipment.
2Productivity
If components are assembled from different directions, then structural stability is maintained, but assembly time increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning all components (drive part, rotation shaft, lock stopper, lock bar, spring) in their correct sequential order during the one-sided assembly process. The components are designed with preliminary alignment features that guide them into their final positions automatically during the single-direction assembly, eliminating the need for time-consuming multi-step positioning and adjustment operations.
3Extent of automation
If components are built into the lock body from the same direction, then automatic assembly is enabled, but the screwing operation requires additional steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the assembly and screwing operations into a single integrated process. The rotation shaft is designed with threaded portions that engage with corresponding threaded holes in the lock stopper and lock bar during the same one-sided assembly operation. This merging of operations eliminates separate screwing steps and enables complete assembly through a single automated linear motion sequence.
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective automatic assembly of electric steering lock devices by allowing all components to be integrated from the same direction, reducing assembly time and manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring interposed between the lock stopper and the lock bar for giving a bias load
Implementation Method 2
a lock stopper to be screwed with the rotation shaft to move axially by rotating of the rotation shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A built-in step is conducted by building a drive part which generates a rotation drive power, a rotation shaft to be rotated by the rotation drive power of the drive part through a gear mechanism, a lock stopper to be screwed with the rotation shaft to move axially by rotating of the rotation shaft, a lock bar which moves between a lock position for locking a steering shaft by movement of the lock stopper and an unlock position for unlocking the steering shaft, and a first spring interposed between the lock stopper and the lock bar for giving a bias load, into a lock body to be installed in a mounting hole part of a steering column post of a vehicle from the same direction. Thereafter, a screwing step for screwing the rotation shaft and the lock stopper after the built-in step is conducted to assemble an electric steering lock device.