Automotive Remote Key With Stowable Pivot Button
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote control devices for motor vehicles with retractable keys have insufficient flexural rigidity due to small indexing surface area and complex designs with many components, and the button rotates with the insert, causing friction issues during deployment.
Innovation Solution
A remote control device with a simplified design featuring a push-button that acts as the pivot pin, secured to the upper shell for rotation, and a helical spring for elastic return, providing better flexural rigidity and preventing button rotation, using radial tenons for indexing and a clevis for mechanical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the button is secured in terms of rotation to the upper shell, then the flexural rigidity of the insert is improved, but the button cannot rotate with the insert during deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The button is segmented into two functional parts: a rotational pivot function (allowing insert deployment) and a structural support function (maintaining flexural rigidity). The button is secured to the upper shell at a specific point to maintain rigidity while still allowing rotation around that secured point during insert deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The button's rotation axis is repositioned from a peripheral location to a central location on the button. This dimensional change in the rotation axis position allows the button to maintain structural integrity while enabling smooth rotational deployment of the insert.
2Ease of operation
If a complex design with multiple components (pivot pin, bell housing, button) is used, then the button can rotate with the insert, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The button is merged with the pivot pin function by securing the button directly to the upper shell to serve as the rotation pivot. This eliminates the separate bell housing and pivot pin components, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining the rotational deployment function.
Solution Approach 2:
The button serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the pivot point for insert rotation, provides structural support for the upper shell, and maintains flexural rigidity during deployment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated pivot components.
3Device complexity
If the indexing surface area between bell housing and lower shell is small, then the device complexity is reduced, but the flexural rigidity of the insert deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The indexing mechanism transitions from a surface-area-based contact (bell housing to lower shell) to a point-based rotational pivot (button secured to upper shell). This dimensional change concentrates the indexing function at a specific rotation point, providing sufficient mechanical strength without requiring large surface areas.
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 enhances flexural rigidity and reduces component complexity, ensuring the insert maintains mechanical strength and stability without button rotation, allowing for efficient deployment and retraction with improved mechanical performance.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic return mechanism for returning the insert towards the deployed position
Implementation Method 2
a helical spring working in torsion and in compression
Implementation Method 3
the insert may be braked by the action or friction of the driver's digit on the button while he is pressing it to deploy
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a remote control device with a stowable key, in particular for an automobile, which comprises a remote control casing including two lower (1) and upper (2) shells, an insert (3) defining a key-bit pivotally mounted between an extended use position and a stowed position inside the casing, and an elastic return mechanism for returning the insert to the extended position, which comprises a push button (4) provided on the upper shell (2). According to the invention, the insert (3) rotates directly about said button (4) which is rotatingly connected with the upper shell (2), and includes rotational indexing means with said insert (3) that can be declutched by pushing said button (4).