Retractable Motor Vehicle Key With Angular Spring Tolerance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractable key mechanisms for motor vehicles require return elements with restrictive alignment tolerances, leading to increased costs due to the need for more precise specifications.
Innovation Solution
A key design with a pivotable insert and an elastic return element where the holding pegs allow for angular travel between 10° and 90°, enabling the use of return elements with relaxed positioning tolerances, and a helical spring is used as the return element, which is fixed to both the insert support and the push button without an intermediate part, reducing alignment requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the return element is mounted with its first and second ends aligned in one and the same plane, then the positioning precision is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces angular travel capability in a rotational dimension, allowing the return element ends to be positioned at different angular locations relative to the pivot axis. This dimensional freedom enables the ends to be aligned within a broader angular range (10°-90°) rather than requiring precise planar alignment, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining functional performance.
2Measurement precision
If the return element has restrictive alignment tolerances, then the positioning precision is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases due to additional costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the critical alignment parameter from planar positioning tolerance to angular travel range. By allowing the return element ends to be positioned within an angular range of 10°-90° relative to the pivot axis, the system achieves the same functional result with significantly relaxed manufacturing tolerances, thereby improving ease of manufacture and reducing production costs.
3Ease of manufacture
If the holding pegs define a larger space for angular travel, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the stability of the insert positioning may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic positioning approach where the holding pegs define an angular travel range (10°-90°) that allows the return element to accommodate variations in assembly positioning. This dynamic angular flexibility maintains stability during operation while providing manufacturing tolerance during assembly, effectively decoupling operational precision requirements from assembly ease.
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
This design allows for the use of return elements with increased positioning tolerance, reducing production costs and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining effective deployment and retraction of the key insert.
Implementation Method 1
an insert elastic return element for urging said insert into a pivoting movement toward its use position when the push button is actuated
Implementation Method 2
a helical spring is used as the return element
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a key (1), in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising: —a housing (3), —an insert (5, 7) mounted pivotally about a pivoting axis (A) and comprising a key-bit support (5) and a key bit (7), —a mechanism for deploying the insert (5, 7) mounted in said housing (3) and comprising: • a push button (19) axially received in a housing (21), and • an elastic return element (23) for the insert (5, 7), wherein a first end (23a) is connected to the insert (5, 7) at the support (5), said support (5) or said button (19) comprising two retaining lugs (39) ascending parallel to the pivoting axis (A) and positioned facing each other and symmetric relative to said pivoting axis (A), said retaining lugs (39) defining, on each side of the pivoting axis (A), a space (50) for the angular displacement of the first end (23a) or of the second end (23b) according to an angle of between 10° and 90°.