Ignition Protection Device with Sensor Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing protective devices for ignition/starter systems in motor vehicles are vulnerable to mechanical impacts, which can cause unauthorized access by moving the actuating means from the locked to the released position without proper energization of the coil, compromising security.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating sensor means coupled to the control circuit to detect and signal movements of the actuating means, allowing the control circuit to energize the coil and maintain the actuating means in the blocked position, even if moved by external forces, thereby preventing unauthorized access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the actuating means are designed to be movable between locked and released positions by magnetic field, then the device can be actuated by unauthorized mechanical impact, but if the actuating means are firmly fixed, then the device cannot be actuated by magnetic field for legitimate switching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against mechanical impactVSAvoidactuation by magnetic field
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs sensor means that continuously monitor the position of the actuating means and provide feedback signals to the control circuit. When the sensor detects unauthorized movement from the locked position, it triggers a counter-action by energizing the coil to restore the blocked position, thereby maintaining security while allowing legitimate magnetic actuation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit is pre-programmed with response protocols that automatically activate upon receiving signals from the sensor means. This preliminary preparation ensures that when unauthorized mechanical movement is detected, the system can immediately counteract by energizing the coil to restore the locked position, preventing successful unauthorized access

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If sensor means are added to detect actuating means movement, then security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection of unauthorized movementVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor means serve multiple functions: they detect the position of the actuating means, identify unauthorized mechanical movement, and trigger the control circuit response. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while maintaining enhanced security

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent integrates the sensor means, control circuit, and magnetic actuator into a unified system where components work together synergistically. The sensor is coupled to the control circuit, which is already connected to the magnetic actuator, creating a combined security system that achieves enhanced protection without requiring completely separate independent subsystems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enhances security by ensuring the actuating means remain in the blocked position, preventing unauthorized use, even when subjected to mechanical impacts or external influences, through rapid detection and counter-action by the control circuit.

Implementation Method 1

a coil that can be energized by a control circuit and a permanent magnet as well as actuating means, which can be acted upon by a magnetic field of the coil for movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

The adjusting means can be held in the release point by the magnetic force of the permanent magnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP1860003B1Protection device for an ignition start device of a motor vehicle and pertinent method
Publication Date: 2008.09.17 HUF HÜLSBECK & FÜRST GMBH & CO KG
  • EP1860003B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1860003B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1860003B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The device has an actuating unit with a locking part (15) held by a magnetic force of a permanent magnet in a release position. A sensor unit e.g. optical sensor and acceleration sensor, is coupled with a control circuit and detects movement of the actuating unit from a blocking position to the release position. The sensor processes electrical voltage of a coil (10) as an input signal and signalizes the control circuit. The control circuit is designed such that the coil is energized in response to a signal of the sensor unit, where the signal indicates the movement. An independent claim is also included for a method for protecting a manually-operable ignition-starting device.