Key Interlock Link Member Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The use of retention type solenoids in key interlock devices for vehicles increases manufacturing costs due to the need for additional parts and a complex installation process, as they cannot actively operate the plunger and require a new reinforcement member to prevent power consumption issues.
Innovation Solution
A key interlock device with a holding type solenoid and a link member that is rotatable about a shaft, where the shaft and axis of rotation align with the force line of the key's operation force, using a resin link with a linear arm part to reduce load burden and allow the use of resin materials like PBT for cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a retention type solenoid is used to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases due to the need for additional reinforcement members and complex installation process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reinforcement function with the existing link member that transmits operational force from the key. By making the link member serve dual purposes (transmitting key operation force and providing reinforcement against solenoid reaction force), the need for separate reinforcement members is eliminated, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining the power consumption benefits of the retention type solenoid
Solution Approach 2:
The link member is designed to perform multiple functions: it transmits the operational force from the key to the plunger, and simultaneously serves as a reinforcement member to withstand the reaction force generated by the retention type solenoid. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional parts and simplifies the overall device structure
2Use of energy by moving object
If a retention type solenoid is used because it cannot actively operate the plunger, then power consumption is reduced, but manufacturing cost increases due to increased parts and complicated installation process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reinforcement function into the existing link member structure. The link member is designed with appropriate dimensions and material properties to simultaneously transmit key operation force and resist solenoid reaction force, eliminating the need for separate reinforcement members and reducing manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 2:
The link member is designed to automatically serve its own purpose as a reinforcement element through its structural configuration and material selection. By selecting resin materials with appropriate compression strength and designing the link geometry to optimize force distribution, the member self-sufficiently handles both transmission and reinforcement functions without requiring additional components
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 reduces manufacturing costs and simplifies the installation process by using resin materials for the link, minimizing bending stress and maximizing compression load resistance, while maintaining effective key operation restraint.
Implementation Method 1
a holding type solenoid arranged to be operative to hold a plunger
Implementation Method 2
arranged to receive an attempted operation force of a key and to transmit a restraining reaction force opposing to oppose the attempted operation force of the key
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention provides for a key interlock device that includes a solenoid (33) that holds a plunger (331) when the solenoid is excited, and a link member (34, 35) that includes a shaft (34b) around which the link member is rotatable, and engages with the plunger (331) so as to transmit a restraining force opposing an operation force of a key when the solenoid is excited. The shaft (346) of the link member (34) is disposed on a virtual line extending from a line of force of the operation force of the key. The key interlock device may include an engaging part through which the key interlock device is attached to a body of a steering lock device and which is disposed behind the shaft to which the operation force of the key applies.