Motor Vehicle Key Emergency Latch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle keys with emergency keys often result in accidental release and potential loss due to spring-loaded mechanisms, where the emergency key can inadvertently fall out when the actuation button is triggered intentionally or unintentionally.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a second latching element as an intermediate latch, kinematically coupled with the first latching element, which secures the emergency key in an intermediate position after the actuation button is pressed, requiring a deliberate action to release the emergency key from this position for removal, preventing accidental ejection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spring-loaded mechanism is used to automatically return the emergency key to its rest position, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to accidental release and potential loss of the emergency key
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is segmented into two distinct latching elements: a first latching element that latches the emergency key in its rest position, and a second latching element that latches the emergency key in an intermediate position. This segmentation allows the system to provide both automatic return (improving ease of operation) and secure positioning at multiple stages (improving reliability and preventing accidental loss).
Solution Approach 2:
The second latching element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the rest position and the release position. When the release button is actuated, the emergency key is first guided to the intermediate position by the second latching element, which serves as a safety intermediary to prevent direct ejection. This intermediary positioning ensures that even if the first latching element fails or is accidentally actuated, the emergency key remains secured.
2Productivity
If the emergency key is spring-loaded in the removal direction, then the productivity is improved by enabling quick removal, but the loss of substance worsens as the emergency key can inadvertently fall out and be lost
Solution Approach 1:
The second latching element is positioned and configured to engage with the emergency key before the key can be fully removed from the housing. This preliminary latching action creates an intermediate secured position that prevents the emergency key from inadvertently falling out during the removal process, thereby preventing loss of the key while still allowing intentional removal when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The second latching element serves as an intermediary security mechanism that mediates between the spring-loaded removal force and the housing. It ensures that the emergency key passes through a controlled intermediate position rather than being directly ejected, preventing accidental loss while maintaining the ability for intentional removal.
3Device complexity
If a single latching element is used to secure the emergency key, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to the risk of accidental release
Solution Approach 1:
The latching function is segmented into two independent latching elements, each responsible for a specific positioning stage. The first latching element handles the rest position, while the second latching element handles the intermediate position. This segmentation distributes the reliability burden across multiple components, so that the failure or accidental actuation of one element does not compromise the overall security of the emergency key.
Solution Approach 2:
The second latching element provides a form of beforehand cushioning by preparing an intermediate secured position before the emergency key can be fully removed. This preliminary security measure cushions against the potential harm of accidental release, ensuring that even if the first latching element fails, the emergency key remains secured at the intermediate position.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 2d
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle key with an identification transmitter for actuating a motor vehicle locking system via an air interface, with a housing (1) and a removable emergency key (2) arranged in a rest position in the housing (1) for mechanically actuating the motor vehicle locking system, wherein the emergency key (2) is released in its rest position by a first locking element (5) and wherein the motor vehicle key has a release button (3) by actuating the first locking element (5) releases the emergency key (2), wherein the motor vehicle key has a second locking element (7) as an intermediate detent which releases the emergency key (2) in an intermediate position between the rest position and a release position enabling the removal of the emergency key (2) after release by the first locking element (5).