Pivoting Automotive Key Blade for Compact Fob Storage

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mechanical keys for automotive vehicles are limited in size due to the need for a long bit portion to engage multiple tumblers, restricting the compactness of the electronic key fob when stored.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical key with a shank and blade that can pivot between operative and non-operative positions, allowing the key to be folded for storage and unfolded for use, featuring a pivoting coupling and handle for efficient torque transmission and lateral rigidity, enabling compact storage within an electronic key fob.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the bit portion is made sufficiently long to engage multiple tumblers, then the lock operating functionality is ensured, but the size of the electronic key fob increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelock operating functionalityVSAvoidkey fob size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The blade is made movable relative to the shank between an operative position (aligned with the shank) and a non-operative position (disposed alongside the shank). This dynamic configuration allows the key to extend its effective length when needed for lock operation while maintaining a compact form when stored in the key fob, thereby resolving the contradiction between functionality and size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The blade can be positioned alongside the shank in a non-operative configuration, effectively nesting the functional elements within a compact arrangement. This allows the key to be stored in a reduced volume within the electronic key fob while still containing all necessary components for lock operation when deployed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If the blade is made movable relative to the shank, then the key size is reduced for storage, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekey storage sizeVSAvoidkey structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blade is made movable relative to the shank through a pivoting coupling mechanism that allows rotation between operative and non-operative positions. This dynamic element enables compact storage while maintaining structural integrity during use, accepting increased complexity as a trade-off for reduced storage volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The key is divided into distinct functional segments (shank, blade, pivoting coupling) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the blade to be positioned alongside the shank for compact storage while maintaining the ability to align for lock operation, managing structural complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10221588B2Key for operating a lock mechanism and kit of parts

Publication Date: 2019.03.05 JAGUAR LAND ROVER LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a key (101) for operating a lock mechanism (L). The key (101) includes a shank (105); and a blade (107) having a lock operating bit portion (111). The blade (107) is movable relative to the shank (105) between an operative position and a non-operative position. The blade (107) is disposed alongside the shank (105) in said non-operative position. The present disclosure also relates to key (101) in combination with a key fob; and a kit comprising a key (101) and a lock mechanism (L).