Shift Cable Cover Preventing Theft via Shear Bolt
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive antitheft devices, such as the Electronic Steering Column Lock, are complex and costly due to their rotational structure and require additional components, making them less suitable for inexpensive vehicles and increasing manufacturing costs and weight.
Innovation Solution
A simple apparatus that prevents forcible separation of a shift cable by using a cover member and a shear bolt to secure the shift cable to the shift lever housing, inhibiting external forces from disconnecting it, thereby preventing unauthorized gear changes and vehicle theft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL) is used as an antitheft device, then the vehicle theft prevention capability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of preventing gear shift manipulation from the complex ESCL system and implements it through a simple mechanical cover assembly that attaches to the shift cable, separating the antitheft function from the steering lock system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive materials such as steel for the cover and standard fasteners (screws or rivets) that can be easily replaced, providing effective theft prevention at minimal cost compared to electronic systems
2Reliability
If an Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL) is used as an antitheft device, then the vehicle theft prevention capability is improved, but the weight of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses lightweight materials including steel cover and standard fasteners, eliminating the need for heavy electronic components, motors, and control systems required by ESCL while maintaining effective theft prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the heavy electronic steering lock system and retains only the essential mechanical function of preventing gear manipulation through a lightweight cover assembly
3Reliability
If a cover member is added to the shift lever housing, then the shift cable protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the protective cover into multiple segments (front cover, rear cover, side covers) that can be separately manufactured and assembled, simplifying the manufacturing process and enabling easy installation while providing comprehensive protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the cover assembly to serve multiple functions: protecting the shift cable from external forces, preventing tool insertion, and maintaining a simple aesthetic appearance, all within a unified structural design
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided to inhibit forcible separation of a shift cable 100 coupled to a shift lever 220 by a cover member 300 combined with a shifting device 200 which includes a shift lever housing 210 and the shift lever 220, thereby preventing forcible changing of a current gear from a P-stage to a N-stage in a vehicle. Accordingly, it is possible to help prevent theft of the vehicle.