Gear Shifter Lock Box for Vehicle Theft Immobilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles are frequently stolen by thieves who override ignition systems and force gear shifters out of park, making existing theft deterrent methods ineffective.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a theft deterrent box with a housing that locks over the gear shifter, preventing access to the release mechanism, combined with a cord system that secures the steering wheel, rendering the vehicle inoperable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a theft deterrent box is placed over the gear shifter to prevent access to the release mechanism, then vehicle theft is deterred, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gear shifter is nested within the theft deterrent box housing, with the release mechanism positioned inside the housing cavity. This nesting arrangement physically protects the release mechanism while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing acts as an intermediary barrier between the thief and the release mechanism. By placing the release mechanism inside the housing cavity and providing access only through the opening, the housing mediates access control without requiring complex locking systems.
2Reliability
If the housing is configured to prevent contact with the release mechanism, then the gear shifter cannot be moved out of park, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The owner performs preliminary action by placing the theft deterrent box over the gear shifter and securing it before leaving the vehicle. This advance preparation ensures the release mechanism is protected without requiring complex real-time intervention during theft attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The release mechanism is extracted from direct external access and positioned inside the housing cavity. This extraction protects the release mechanism while maintaining its functionality through the controlled opening, balancing security with operability.
3Reliability
If a cord system is used to secure the steering wheel, then the vehicle becomes inoperable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cord system is merged with the existing theft deterrent box structure, utilizing the same housing and opening configuration. This integration combines the gear shifter protection and steering wheel immobilization functions into a single device, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The theft deterrent box serves multiple functions: protecting the gear shifter release mechanism and immobilizing the steering wheel through the cord system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices, reducing overall device complexity while enhancing security.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle theft deterrent box includes a housing having at least a first portion and a second portion. The theft deterrent box has an open state when at least a portion of a gear shifter of a vehicle is receivable in the housing and a closed state when at least a portion of the gear shifter is received in the housing and the housing is not removable from the gear shifter. Other devices and methods are disclosed.