Steering Column Anti-Theft Device with Protected Fixing Means

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anti-theft devices for motor vehicle steering columns are vulnerable to theft due to the susceptibility of screws used for fixation, which can be removed to neutralize the lock.

Innovation Solution

The anti-theft device incorporates protected fixing means, such as fusible screws or materials like CQ22 and 17MnBs, and protective annular parts made from materials like XC18Pb and S300Pb, which prevent removal of the fixing means by applying protective measures like crimping, welding, or stamping, ensuring the device remains secured to the steering column.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If screws are used to fix the anti-theft device to the steering column, then the device can be easily assembled and installed, but the screws are vulnerable to removal and the lock can be neutralized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidtheft resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The protective annular part is pre-installed over the screws before the anti-theft device is assembled to the steering column. This preliminary protective measure ensures that the screws are already protected when the device is installed, preventing later removal attempts while maintaining easy assembly of the overall device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The protective annular part acts as an intermediary element between the screws and the external environment. It provides a protective barrier that prevents direct access to the screws, thereby enhancing theft resistance without interfering with the assembly process of the main device components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If protective means are added to protect the fixing means, then the theft resistance is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetheft resistanceVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective means is implemented as a thin annular part that surrounds the fixing means. This shell-like structure provides effective protection against screw removal while adding minimal structural complexity to the overall device design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The protective function is segmented from the main anti-theft device body, allowing the protective annular part to be designed and manufactured separately. This segmentation enables the protective feature to be added without significantly complicating the overall device structure or assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3233588B1Anti-theft device for a steering column of a motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2020.03.18 VALEO SECURITE HABITACLE

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AI summary

An anti-theft device (1) for a steering column (2) of a motor vehicle, comprising: a body (3) intended to be attached on the steering column (2); a means of attachment (10) configured to attach said body (3) onto the steering column (2); and protection means (20) at least partially surrounding said attachment means (10) and able to prevent the removal of said attachment means (10) when the body (3) is mounted on the steering column (2).