Magnetic Anti-Theft Lock for Frangible Vehicle Components

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicle parts theft is a significant issue, with thieves able to profit from selling individual vehicle parts, causing financial and psychological burdens for victims, and existing anti-theft solutions are inadequate for protecting frangible components.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic anti-theft lock system that uses an electromagnet secured to the vehicle's support surface and a ferromagnetic target integrated into the component, activated when the ignition is switched off or doors are locked, ensuring the component breaks if attempted to be stolen, thereby rendering it worthless.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional mechanical locks or adhesives are used to secure frangible components, then the components can be removed without damage, but the components remain vulnerable to theft

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetheft preventionVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical locking systems (screws, clips, adhesives) with an electromagnetic field-based securing mechanism. The electromagnet generates a magnetic field that holds the frangible component in place without physical contact or mechanical fasteners, eliminating the need for complex mechanical installation while providing superior theft prevention through the frangible design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and properties of the securing mechanism from mechanical to electromagnetic. By controlling the electromagnetic field strength through the electromagnet, the system can dynamically adjust the holding force to prevent theft while allowing legitimate removal when needed, thereby improving reliability without increasing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the electromagnetic force is increased to prevent component removal, then theft is deterred, but the component may break during normal operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetheft deterrenceVSAvoidcomponent integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the component into two functional parts: a permanent frangible portion that is designed to break under excessive force, and a ferromagnetic target that remains attached to the vehicle body. This segmentation allows the system to provide strong theft deterrence while protecting the valuable functional elements from damage during normal operation or attempted theft.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of component breakage into a beneficial security feature. The frangible design ensures that if a thief attempts to remove the component, it will break and remain on the vehicle, effectively deterring theft. The controlled breakage transforms a negative outcome into a positive security measure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If the electromagnet is always activated to secure the component, then theft is prevented, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous protectionVSAvoidelectromagnet power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic activation of the electromagnet based on vehicle operational states. The electromagnet is activated when the vehicle ignition is on or when doors are locked, and deactivated when the ignition is off and doors are unlocked. This periodic action maintains continuous protection during critical periods while significantly reducing energy consumption during non-critical periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from vehicle sensors (ignition status, door lock status) to control electromagnet activation. This feedback mechanism ensures the electromagnet operates only when needed for security, optimizing the balance between continuous protection and energy consumption by responding to actual vehicle state conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Effectively deters theft by securing frangible components with sufficient electromagnetic force, making them worthless to thieves and reducing the incidence of vehicle part theft.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnet fixed to the motor vehicle support surface and a ferromagnetic target fixed to or integrated into the component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetism: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

a ferromagnetic target fixed to or integrated into the component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFerromagnetism: Ferromagnetism

Implementation Method 3

securing the component with sufficient electromagnetic force to cause the component to break if removed from the motor vehicle support surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentUS10329808B2Magnetic anti-theft lock system and method

Publication Date: 2019.06.25 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

An anti-theft lock system for a motor vehicle includes a motor vehicle support surface, a component to be protected from theft and an electromagnetic locking feature securing the component to the motor vehicle support surface. An anti-theft mirror and a method of preventing theft of a frangible component from a motor vehicle are also disclosed.