Steering Column Lock Parallel Axis Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering column locks require a significant volume around the steering column, making it difficult to integrate other car elements like GPS and radio systems, and there is a need for a more compact and efficient solution.
Innovation Solution
A steering column lock design where the lock bar translation axis and cam rotation axis are parallel, but not parallel with the lock rotation axis, incorporating a lever linked to a sensor for key detection and a return mechanism, with optional features such as gear connections and a protection plate, allowing for a compact and reliable locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lock bar translation axis, cam rotation axis and lock rotation axis are arranged in a Y shape (non-parallel), then the steering column lock achieves good locking specifications and reliability, but it requires a significant volume around the steering column
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement from a Y-shaped non-parallel configuration to a parallel axis configuration, effectively changing the dimensional relationships between components. By making the lock bar translation axis and cam rotation axis parallel, the invention reduces the radial space required while maintaining the locking function through the sensor-actuator mechanism that detects key insertion and triggers cam rotation.
2Volume of stationary object
If the lock bar translation axis and cam rotation axis are made parallel, then the overall size of the steering column lock is reduced, but the mechanical connection and force transmission between components becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical coupling with a sensor-based detection and actuation system. The sensor detects key insertion and rotational position, and the actuator (motor) converts electrical signals to mechanical rotation of the cam, substituting complex mechanical linkages with electromechanical components that simplify the parallel-axis configuration.
3Volume of stationary object
If a parallel axis configuration is used with sensor and actuator components, then additional elements increase device complexity, but they enable compact integration and reduced volume
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor serves multiple functions: detecting key insertion, monitoring cam rotational position, and providing feedback for the actuator control. The actuator both unlocks the steering column and can re-lock it. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, managing complexity while achieving compact design.
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 6~9
AI summary
The invention relates to a steering column lock (1) for an automotive vehicle comprising: - a first part comprising a barrel with a rotor (5) intended to rotate according to a lock rotation axis (9) and comprising a receiving end (11) intended to receive a key insert and a command end (13) for transmitting the rotation movement of the rotor (5), - a second part (21) comprising a cam (23) intended to rotate according to a cam rotation axis (25), the cam (23) is rotated by the command end (13) of the rotor (5), - a third part (31) comprising a lock bar (33) mounted in translation according to a lock bar translation axis (35) between a steering column lock position and a steering column release position, the lock bar (33) being mobile in translation by the rotation of cam (23), characterized in that the bar translation axis (35) and the cam rotation axis (25) are parallel and the cam (23) is connected to the command end (13) of the rotor (5) and to the lock bar (33) through the cam peripheral surface. The invention also relates to an automotive vehicle comprising a steering column and such a steering column lock.