Push Button Lock Driver Shoulder and Ramped Surface Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push button locks in automotive settings lack efficient mechanisms for distinguishing between locked and unlocked states, particularly when the button is depressed, leading to potential security vulnerabilities.
Innovation Solution
The push button lock incorporates a button assembly with a driver having a shoulder and a ramped surface, along with a tail movable relative to the outer case and a spring retainer. This configuration allows the shoulder to engage and push the tail axially when the button is unlocked and depressed, while the ramped surface engages the spring retainer when the button is locked and depressed, ensuring distinct operational states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional push button lock mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but the ability to distinguish between locked and unlocked states when the button is depressed is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The driver is segmented into distinct functional zones: a shoulder portion for pushing the tail in unlocked state, and a ramped surface for engaging the spring retainer in locked state. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function clearly, enabling reliable state differentiation without adding overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the driver have different geometries tailored to specific functions: the shoulder has a flat pushing surface for axial movement, while the ramped surface has an inclined geometry for engaging the spring retainer. This local differentiation of properties enables the single driver component to provide reliable state indication for both locked and unlocked conditions.
2Ease of operation
If the button assembly is made movable relative to the outer case, then the operational flexibility is improved, but the potential security vulnerabilities increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism provides immediate mechanical feedback through the spring retainer engagement with the ramped surface when locked, and through the shoulder pushing the tail when unlocked. This feedback system ensures that the movable button assembly always provides accurate security status information, maintaining reliability despite operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The driver acts as an intermediary component between the button assembly and the tail/spring retainer mechanism. It translates the button's movement into distinct mechanical states that reliably indicate locked or unlocked conditions, ensuring security reliability while maintaining ease of operation.
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
The solution provides a secure and reliable mechanism for differentiating between locked and unlocked states of the push button lock, enhancing security and user confidence by ensuring accurate state indication even when the button is depressed.
Implementation Method 1
a spring retainer coupled to the tail. The spring retainer is configured to be engaged by the ramped surface when the button assembly is in a locked and depressed state
Implementation Method 2
a spring retainer coupled to the tail
Data Source
AI summary
A push button lock an outer case and a button assembly movable relative to the outer case, the button assembly including a driver having a shoulder and a ramped surface. The push button lock also includes a tail movable relative to the outer case, and a spring retainer coupled to the tail. The shoulder is configured to engage and push the tail axially along a longitudinal axis when the button assembly is in an unlocked and depressed state, and a portion of the spring retainer is configured to be engaged and moved radially outwardly by the ramped surface when the button assembly is in a locked and depressed state.