Automotive Lock Stator Crimping Method

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for manufacturing rotary lock stators for motor vehicle locking systems are costly and prone to qualitative risks due to the need for multiple parts and fastening means, which can be lost or incorrectly positioned during assembly, compromising the integrity of the lock.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a first and second complementary part of the stator that are assembled and crimped together using a crimping punch to deform the wall of the orifice, eliminating the need for additional fastening pins and simplifying the assembly process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional fastening means (cylindrical, elastic or screw pins) are used to assemble the two stator parts, then the structural integrity and rigidity of the lock are guaranteed, but the manufacturing complexity increases, production costs rise, and qualitative risks (loss or incorrect positioning of pins) occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrity of lockVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the fastening function with the stator parts themselves by creating integral joining elements (protrusions and recesses) that are formed as part of the stator components during molding. This eliminates the need for separate fastening pins while maintaining structural integrity, thereby reducing assembly complexity and eliminating risks associated with separate fastening elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The stator parts are designed with self-aligning and self-fastening features through molded protrusions and recesses that automatically position and secure the parts together during assembly. The design includes self-service positioning elements that guide the assembly process and ensure correct positioning without requiring external fastening elements or complex alignment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If traditional fastening means (cylindrical, elastic or screw pins) are used to assemble the two stator parts, then the structural integrity of the lock is guaranteed, but the production costs increase due to additional components and assembly steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrity of lockVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the fastening function with the stator parts themselves by creating integral joining elements (protrusions and recesses) that are formed as part of the stator components during molding. This eliminates the need for separate fastening pins while maintaining structural integrity, thereby reducing assembly complexity and eliminating risks associated with separate fastening elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The stator parts are designed with self-aligning and self-fastening features through molded protrusions and recesses that automatically position and secure the parts together during assembly. The design includes self-service positioning elements that guide the assembly process and ensure correct positioning without requiring external fastening elements or complex alignment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If the stator is made in one piece, then the manufacturing process is simpler and costs are reduced, but in certain specific applications the functional requirements cannot be met

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidfunctional adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the stator into two separate parts that are assembled together using integral joining elements. This segmentation allows the stator to be designed with specific functional features (such as rotor reception chamber, key reception, and locking mechanism integration) that would be difficult or impossible to incorporate in a one-piece design, while still maintaining manufacturing simplicity through molded-in joining elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 method securely assembles the stator parts in a simple and automated manner, reducing production and assembly costs while maintaining the mechanical strength and integrity of the lock, preventing issues like break-in attempts.

Implementation Method 1

a crimping step during which a crimping punch is introduced into each orifice to at least partially deform the wall of the orifice in the direction of the corresponding cavity so as to crimp the assembly of the two parts of the stator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP2176475B9Method for making a stator of a rotating lock for an automotive vehicle and lock stator
Publication Date: 2013.12.04 CAM FRANCE
  • EP2176475B9 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP2176475B9 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2176475B9 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for making a rotating lock (10) for the locking system of an automotive vehicle, that comprises at least first and second complementary parts (5, 6) that can be assembled in at least one overlap area (7) for defining a stator (12) inside which a rotor (11) can be rotated, characterised in that it comprises the following steps: a first step for assembling the two parts (5, 6) in order to position in said overlap area (7) at least one opening (32) formed in the first part of the stator (6) opposite the opening of a corresponding cavity (34) formed in the second part of the stator (5); a second crimping step during which a crimping punch (22) is introduced in each opening (32) for at least partially deforming the wall of the opening (32) in the direction of the corresponding cavity (34) in order to crimp the assembly of the two parts of the stator (5, 6).