Motor Vehicle Key Casing with Reversible Snap-Fit Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing key housings for motor vehicles fail to securely maintain an emergency key under traction and impact conditions, as specified by car manufacturers, due to the limitations of simple snap-in mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A key box design featuring a longitudinal insert housing with reversible clipping means, including a metal slider with elastic return and inclined planes, allowing secure fixation and release of the key head, and an unlocking mechanism via a sliding button for user access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple snap-in mechanism is used to hold the emergency key, then the key box structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the key cannot be securely maintained under traction and impact conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The clipping mechanism is divided into two separate components: a slider carried by the case and clipping means carried by the key head. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to provide secure retention under traction and impact conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The clipping means includes a movable element that can transition between engaged and disengaged states. The movable nature of the clipping mechanism allows it to dynamically adapt to forces applied to the key while maintaining secure retention during normal use and impact conditions.
2Reliability
If reversible clipping means with movable elements are used to securely hold the key, then the reliability of key maintenance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slider and clipping means are merged into an integrated assembly where the clipping means is carried by the slider. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the reversible clipping function, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The slider serves multiple functions: it carries the clipping means, provides a mounting structure for the key head, and enables the reversible clipping action. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying the overall device.
3Strength
If the key head is rigidly fixed to the insert, then the structural strength is improved, but the ease of operation for releasing the key is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The clipping means includes a movable element that can transition between engaged and disengaged states. This dynamic characteristic allows the key head to be rigidly held during normal use while enabling easy release when the movable element is actuated by user action.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable element acts as an intermediary between the rigid key head and the case. It maintains strong structural connection during normal use while serving as a mechanical mediator that can be actuated to release the key head when needed.
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
The design provides optimal and shock-resistant maintenance of the emergency key, meeting manufacturer specifications by ensuring secure attachment and easy release, while preventing key damage and size reduction.
Implementation Method 1
the slide further comprises elastic means for returning to the rest position
Implementation Method 2
the elastic holding means is a spring
Implementation Method 3
the clipping means comprising the notches comprise a first inclined plane and the clipping ramps comprise a second inclined plane, so that when positioning the key head on the case, the first inclined plane of each latching means comprising the notches rests on the second inclined plane of each latching ramp, causing the slider to move into the release position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a key casing, in particular for a motor vehicle, including: a casing (7) including an insert recess (9) having a longitudinal shape for receiving an insert (5), and a key head (3) to be attached to the insert (5) and forming a key (1), said key head (3) forming a cover for closing the key casing (7) as well as a portion for gripping the key (1); and complementary reversible snap-fitting means supported by the casing (7) and by the key head (3), wherein at least one snap-fitting means is translatably movable between a rest position and a free position, in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the position in which the key head (3) is snap-fitted onto the casing (7).