Ignition Switch Latching Mechanism for Tamper-Proof ID Transmitter Reinsertion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ignition locks are not tamper-proof and can become unusable if the ID transmitter is incorrectly used, leading to issues where the housing yields under force, preventing the ID transmitter from being reinserted and requiring professional help to restore functionality.

Innovation Solution

The ignition lock design includes additional latching recesses within the housing to allow the latching slide to engage in a further locking position, enabling the ID transmitter to be correctly reinserted and latched even after misuse, with a prestressing element ensuring secure latching and preventing accidental removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the housing is designed to withstand forces during incorrect operation, then the ID transmitter can be released, but the housing may yield elastically and prevent re-insertion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanipulation safetyVSAvoidre-insertion capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is divided into two independent latching systems: a first latching mechanism with locking slides and pre-locking recesses that engages at the basic position, and a second latching mechanism with locking slides and locking recesses that engages at the deflected position. This segmentation allows each mechanism to handle specific operational states independently, preventing the housing from yielding while maintaining re-insertion capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The prestressing element is pre-configured to automatically deflect the ID transmitter receiving element into the deflected position when a pulling force is applied during incorrect operation. This preliminary action occurs before the user can potentially damage the housing, ensuring the locking slides engage in the locking recesses and prepare the system for safe re-insertion without requiring professional intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the locking slide engages in the pre-locking recess to latch the ID transmitter, then the ID transmitter is secured, but the locking slide cannot exit to release the ID transmitter in the deflected position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking securityVSAvoidID transmitter removal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically transitions between two latching states: at the basic position, locking slides engage pre-locking recesses for initial securing; at the deflected position, locking slides engage locking recesses for secure locking during operation. The prestressing element enables automatic transition between these states, allowing the locking slides to exit pre-locking recesses when needed while maintaining security in the deflected position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the receiving element is pulled back into the basic position to remove the ID transmitter, then the ID transmitter can be removed, but the housing may yield under force and prevent correct operation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveID transmitter removalVSAvoidhousing integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The prestressing element acts as a cushioning mechanism that absorbs and manages forces applied during incorrect operation. By pre-configuring the deflected position with engagement features, the system cushions against housing yield before damage occurs, allowing forceful pulling operations without compromising housing integrity or preventing future correct operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 design allows the ignition lock to be restored to a fault-free state without professional help, ensuring the ID transmitter can be reinserted and the lock functions correctly, while maintaining user transparency and security.

Implementation Method 1

The prestressing element is preferably designed as a compression spring. At the end of an operating process, the receiving element is thus moved into the S-contact position by means of the pretensioning element.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression spring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP1826077B1Ignition switch with improved manipulation safety
Publication Date: 2009.12.02 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP1826077B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1826077B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP1826077B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The switch has an ID transmitter receiving unit. A snap-in connection (31) is provided in the housing, so that one of the locking slide (11) is inserted in an excellent hinged position of the ID transmitter receiving unit within the displacement area grabbing the ID transmitter in latter snap-in connection.