Steering Column Anti-Theft Lock with Segmented Stator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicles are vulnerable to theft when stationary, as existing anti-theft devices for steering columns can be compromised by removing the locking bolt, allowing the vehicle to be maneuvered once started.
Innovation Solution
An anti-theft lock for the steering column featuring a stator with multiple parts and a control device that includes a rotor, with fixing assemblies that keep the stator integral in the locked position and allow free rotation in the unlocked position, making it impossible to access and remove the bolt.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional steering column lock with a single stator and bolt is used, then the device is simple to manufacture and operate, but the vehicle remains vulnerable to theft as the bolt can be accessed and removed through the lock housing
Solution Approach 1:
The stator is divided into at least two separate parts (first stator part and second stator part) that are positioned at different radial locations. This segmentation creates multiple protective barriers around the control device, preventing direct access to the bolt and locking elements while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is nested within the stator structure, with the rotor positioned inside the control device cavity. The bolt is positioned within the control device, surrounded by locking elements. This nested arrangement creates concentric protective layers that secure the bolt against unauthorized access while preserving the compact overall dimensions of the lock assembly.
2Ease of repair
If the stator is made accessible for maintenance or replacement, then the ease of repair is improved, but the security against theft is reduced as thieves can access and manipulate the locking elements
Solution Approach 1:
The bolt is pre-positioned within the control device cavity and secured by locking elements before final assembly. The stator parts are designed to be fixed to the control device in a predetermined configuration that protects the locking elements. This preliminary securing arrangement ensures that even during maintenance access, the critical locking components remain protected and cannot be easily manipulated or removed.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
AI summary
A lock (4) for an antitheft device (1) for a steering column of a motor vehicle, comprising: - a stator (5) extending along a main axis (6) and having at least two parts (5a; 5b), - a control device (7) housed inside the stator (5) and comprising a rotor (9) extending along the main axis (6), said control device (7) being configured to take up a locking position and an unlocking position of the steering column when said rotor (9) is rotated about the main axis (6), - at least two securing assemblies (11a; 11b), of which each securing assembly (11a; 11b) is disposed between the control device (7) and the parts of the stator (5a; 5b) and is configured to keep the parts of the stator (5a; 5b) secured to the control device (7) when the control device (7) is in the locking position and to allow the rotor (9) to rotate freely when the control device (7) is in the unlocking position.