Vehicle Steering Column Antitheft Cam Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing antitheft devices for vehicle steering columns require significant force to unlock, which can be difficult for elderly or injured individuals and may result in key snapping under heavy torque.
Innovation Solution
The antitheft device features a camshaft with a first and second contact zone that slides on corresponding areas of a slider, allowing for a translating movement that reduces the torque required to unlock the steering column, with a design that includes a plane and curved sub-contact area to facilitate smooth and low-force unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional lock bolt mechanism is used, then the steering column can be securely locked, but significant force is required to unlock it
Solution Approach 1:
The locking bolt mechanism transitions from a static design to a dynamic one by introducing a camshaft that rotates during the unlocking process. The camshaft's rotation changes the geometric relationship between the locking bolt and slider, dynamically reducing the force required to move the bolt from locked to unlocked position.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the interaction between camshaft and slider. By positioning the first contact zone closer to the camshaft axis than the second contact zone, and using a curved sub-contact area, the mechanical advantage changes during rotation, transforming the force required to operate the mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If heavy torque is applied to unlock the steering column, then the locking mechanism can be released, but the key may snap under the torque
Solution Approach 1:
The camshaft geometry changes the torque parameter required for unlocking. The curved sub-contact area and positioning of contact zones create a mechanical advantage that reduces the torque needed to actuate the locking bolt, preventing excessive torque from being transmitted to the key.
Solution Approach 2:
The camshaft acts as an intermediary mechanism between the key/rotor and the locking bolt. Instead of the key directly applying torque to move the locking bolt, the camshaft translates rotational motion into a controlled translating movement of the slider, which then moves the locking bolt with reduced force requirements.
3Power
If the first contact zone is positioned farther from the camshaft axis, then more torque is available, but the unlocking movement becomes jerky and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses dynamic positioning of contact zones on the rotating camshaft. The first contact zone is positioned closer to the axis for smooth initial movement, while the second contact zone extends outward to provide sufficient torque for completing the unlocking stroke. The curved sub-contact area creates a progressive change in mechanical advantage during rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The camshaft contact surface is segmented into different zones with different radial positions. The first contact zone is positioned at a different radius than the second contact zone, allowing each zone to serve a different function in the unlocking sequence - one for smooth initiation and another for completing the movement with adequate force.
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
Enables easy and pain-free unlocking of the steering column with reduced key torque, ensuring safe and quick operation for users, particularly those with mobility issues, without the risk of key snapping.
Implementation Method 1
a camshaft able to rotate about its axis and comprising at least: a first contact zone arranged to slide on a first contact area of the slider upon rotation of the camshaft, and a second contact zone arranged to slide on a second contact area of the slider upon rotation of the camshaft
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~4b
AI summary
An antitheft device for a steering column of a vehicle with a locking bolt (12) able to occupy a position for locking a steering column (20), a slider (14) for maneuvering the locking bolt (12) between a locked and a free position passing by an unlocked position, a camshaft (16) rotatable about its axis and comprising at least: a first contact zone arranged to slide on a first contact area of the slider upon rotation of the camshaft, and second contact zone arranged to slide on a second contact area of the slider upon rotation of the camshaft. Upon rotation of said camshaft (16) the slider has a translating movement. The first contact zone and the first contact area are arranged so that upon rotation of said camshaft (16) the slider has a translation movement that maneuvers the locking bolt (12) from the locked position to the unlocked position.