Self-locking Push Button for Agricultural Vehicle Door Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle door locks for agricultural vehicles and construction machines lack high functional security, particularly in meeting EU Regulation No. 1322/2014, which requires secure opening mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access, and existing pushbuttons do not ensure automatic self-locking and key-dependent unlocking mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A pushbutton design featuring a self-actuated actuation knob that automatically returns to its locked position after use, utilizing a cylinder lock core that can only be unlocked with a key, ensuring the key can only be withdrawn when the pushbutton is fully locked, and incorporating a spiral compression spring for mechanical self-locking and unlocking mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a pushbutton with cylinder lock is used for vehicle door unlocking, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but the complexity of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the pushbutton actuation mechanism with the cylinder lock into a single integrated unit. The actuation knob is directly connected to the cylinder lock core, merging the unlocking and actuation functions into one component assembly, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining security

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pushbutton serves multiple functions: it acts as both the actuation mechanism for unlocking the vehicle door and as the cylinder lock itself. The actuation knob simultaneously functions as the key-operated lock interface, eliminating the need for separate locking and actuating components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the pushbutton automatically returns to locked position after actuation, then functional security is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional securityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pushbutton mechanism is designed to automatically return to its locked position after actuation without requiring manual intervention. The spring-loaded mechanism self-actuates the reset function, and the cylinder lock automatically re-engages, making the system self-service and eliminating the need for additional control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The pushbutton operates in periodic cycles: when actuated, it unlocks the door, then automatically returns to the locked position after a brief period. This periodic automatic resetting behavior ensures continuous security without requiring complex control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If the key can only be withdrawn when the pushbutton is fully locked, then security is improved, but the operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cylinder lock is designed so that the key cannot be withdrawn until the pushbutton has automatically returned to its locked position. This preliminary locking action ensures that the door remains secured during the actuation cycle, and only after complete resetting does the key become removable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 pushbutton provides high functional security by automatically locking after use, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring the key cannot be withdrawn during operation, enhancing safety and compliance with EU regulations, while maintaining simplicity and cost-effectiveness in assembly.

Implementation Method 1

incorporating a spiral compression spring for mechanical self-locking and unlocking mechanisms

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpiral compression spring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS11982102B2Self-locking push button
Publication Date: 2024.05.14 D LA PORTE SOHNE
  • US11982102B2 patent drawing
  • US11982102B2 patent drawing
  • US11982102B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a self-locking pushbutton for unlocking of a lock for a vehicle door, hood, covering or hatch, in particular of an agricultural vehicle, e.g. of a tractor, or of a construction machine.