Emergency Key Housing With Articulated Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keyless access systems for motor vehicles face issues with securely storing emergency keys, leading to accidental unlocking and potential loss due to mechanical shocks or careless handling, and require a compact design to fit within clothing pockets without bulging.
Innovation Solution
A housing design for an identification transmitter with a base housing, a housing cover, and a dual connector locking mechanism featuring an articulated connection and a separate locking device, which includes a hook and bolt system to prevent accidental key release and ensure shock resistance, allowing for secure storage and easy removal of the emergency key.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the emergency key is stored in a simple housing without a locking mechanism, then the housing can be easily opened and the key is easily accessible, but the key can accidentally fall out or be lost due to mechanical shocks or careless handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate locking mechanism between the housing and the key. The locking device with bolt and opening element acts as a mediator that controls access to the key while preventing accidental loss. This intermediary structure allows the key to be securely retained during normal use but still accessible when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism employs dynamic elements including an elastic section in the bolt that can deform under shock loads and a spring element that provides continuous locking force. These dynamic components allow the housing to respond to mechanical shocks while maintaining key retention, and enable easy opening when the opening element is deliberately actuated.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure the emergency key in the housing, then the key retention security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a bolt with head end and elastic section, a spring element, and an opening element with grip element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while keeping the overall structure relatively simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element automatically maintains continuous locking force without requiring external power or complex control systems. The elastic section of the bolt automatically absorbs shock loads and returns to its original position. These self-service features reduce the complexity of the locking mechanism while maintaining reliable key retention.
3Volume of moving object
If the housing is designed to be compact to fit in clothing pockets, then the portability is improved, but the locking mechanism space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism components are nested within the compact housing structure. The bolt, spring element, and opening element are arranged in a space-efficient manner where smaller components are positioned within or adjacent to larger ones. The opening element with its grip element is integrated into the housing surface, eliminating the need for separate external actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic section of the bolt acts as a flexible element that can deform within a small space to absorb shock loads and maintain locking force. This flexible component allows the compact housing to accommodate the locking mechanism without requiring excessive space, while still providing reliable key retention during mechanical shocks.
4Strength
If the emergency key is made larger to improve locking function, then the locking capability is improved, but the housing volume increases and cannot fit in clothing pockets
Solution Approach 1:
The housing design incorporates a recess with specific geometric constraints that pre-position the key in an optimal orientation for locking. The recess is shaped to receive the key's locking elements at the correct angles and positions, allowing effective locking with a compact key size. This preliminary positioning action eliminates the need for oversized keys to achieve adequate locking capability.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for storing a key (5) for mechanical locking devices of an electronic access system, comprising a base housing (2), designed to house the key (5), a housing cover (3) for covering the key (5), housed in the base housing and a locking mechanism of the detachable connection of base housing and housing cover. The locking mechanism comprises a jointed connecting device (9, 10) and a locking device (2a, 11, 12) separate from the jointed connecting device.