Vehicle Lock Cylinder Assembly for Precise Mounting Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for vehicle components like steering columns and gear shift levers face mechanical wear issues due to the non-rotational symmetry of locking cylinders, leading to incorrect mounting positions that disrupt the locking bolt retention system and increase wear on components like key removal protection.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a support element mounted rotationally fixed and axially displaceable within the housing, featuring an assembly unit that fixes the locking cylinder in a predetermined position, providing haptic feedback and overload protection to ensure correct assembly and prevent unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the locking cylinder is mounted without rotational positioning features, then the assembly process is simpler, but the locking cylinder can be mounted in incorrect rotational positions leading to increased mechanical wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by providing the support element with a first positioning means (e.g., asymmetric groove or cam) and the locking cylinder with a corresponding second positioning means (e.g., asymmetric cam or groove). These asymmetric features can only mate in one specific rotational orientation, ensuring the locking cylinder is mounted in the correct position while maintaining simple assembly through form-fitting engagement.
2Productivity
If the locking cylinder is mounted in incorrect rotational positions, then assembly is faster without positioning features, but elements like the key withdrawal protection driver are subjected to greater stress and mechanical wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the support element and locking cylinder with complementary positioning means before assembly. These positioning features (such as a cam and groove arrangement) guide the locking cylinder into the correct rotational position during insertion, eliminating the need for post-assembly adjustment and preventing incorrect mounting that would lead to mechanical wear of plastic components.
3Manufacturing precision
If positioning means are added to ensure correct mounting, then mounting position accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positioning function with existing structural elements of the locking device. The positioning means are integrated into the support element and locking cylinder as part of their normal construction (e.g., incorporating positioning cams or grooves into the cylindrical surfaces), rather than adding separate positioning mechanisms. This ensures precise mounting position while minimizing increase in device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a locking device (100) for locking a functionally essential component (101), in particular a steering column or a gearshift lever, of a vehicle, comprising: a housing (10) for receiving a locking cylinder (20), which serves to actuate a locking element (102) of the functionally essential component (101), a support element (30) for supporting the locking cylinder (20) in the housing (10), wherein the support element (30) is mounted in the housing (10) in a rotationally fixed manner, wherein the locking cylinder (20) has a rotatable cylinder core (24) which can be connected to a rotatable coupling (40) which can be brought into an operative connection with the locking element (102), and wherein the coupling (40) is axially supported on the support element (30).According to the invention, a mounting unit (M) is provided to fix the locking cylinder (20) in a predetermined mounting position (A) within the housing (10) at least positively on the support element (30).