Quad Steering Column Lock With Rotating Pin Anti-Tamper Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

There are no known locking devices designed to block the steering column of a quad, and existing solutions are not reliable against theft and tampering.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical blocking system comprising a first element surrounding the steering column, a second element coupled to the handlebars, a coupling element, and a blocking device with a rotatable pin to secure the elements together, ensuring safety and difficulty in tampering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a blocking system is designed to be tamper-resistant and secure, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetamper-resistanceVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking system is divided into separate modular components: a first element that surrounds the steering column, a second element coupled to the handlebars, a coupling element for rigid connection, and a blocking device with a rotatable pin. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system security without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking device incorporates a rotatable pin mechanism that can rotate between different positions to engage or disengage the blocking function. This dynamic element provides secure locking when engaged while allowing easy release when needed, achieving high reliability without permanent complex structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If a blocking system is designed with a simple mechanical structure, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability against tampering deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidtamper-resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the system into discrete, simple components (first element, second element, coupling element, blocking device), each part can be manufactured using basic machining processes. The segmented design avoids the need for complex integrated structures while maintaining security through the coordinated function of multiple simple parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling element acts as an intermediary component that rigidly connects the first element (surrounding steering column) to the second element (coupled to handlebars). This intermediary structure provides a simple yet effective mechanical link that enhances tamper-resistance without requiring complex manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a blocking system is designed to be secure and tamper-resistant, then the blocking effectiveness is improved, but the bulk of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblocking effectivenessVSAvoidsystem bulk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The first element is designed to surround the steering column, with the second element and blocking device nested within or adjacent to it. This nesting arrangement allows the blocking components to be compactly integrated around the steering column area, providing secure blocking effectiveness while minimizing the overall volume occupied by the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking system utilizes the radial dimension by having the first element surround the steering column, rather than extending linearly. The blocking device operates in a different spatial dimension (rotational movement of the pin) to achieve blocking, allowing compact integration without increasing linear dimensions significantly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4497666B1Blocking system for blocking the steering column of a quad
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 SANNELLI GERARDO
  • EP4497666B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4497666B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4497666B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a blocking system for blocking a steering column (SC) of a quad. Said blocking system comprises: - a first element (1,1') shaped to surround a portion of said steering column (SC) and comprising a main body (10,10') having a cavity (10A,10A') for receiving a portion of said steering column (SC), a slot (100,100') to allow said portion of said steering column (SC) to be inserted said cavity (10A, 10A'), as well as a protrusion (121,121') provided of a first opening (121A.121A'), - a second element (2,2') couplable to a portion of a handlebars (S) of said quad, wherein said second element (2,2') comprises a first portion (21,21') provided with a second opening (21A,21A'), - a coupling element (3) for rigidly coupling said first element (1,1') with a frame portion of said quad, and - a blocking device (4) for blocking said second element (2,2') to said first element (1,1').