Steering Handle Lock Mechanism Compact Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handle lock mechanisms for vehicles, such as those disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2001-063650, face challenges in designing the force point of the swing lever and stroke amount for handle locking operations, leading to a large device size and reduced operability, as well as issues with tampering due to external access.
Innovation Solution
A handle lock mechanism featuring an operating member, arm member, link member, and lock member that are strategically arranged to reduce size and enhance operability, with the operating member and arm member positioned above the top bridge, a link member that slides parallel to the top bridge, and a lock member that engages with the link member in a slide hole, allowing for compact design and tamper resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operating member and arm member are arranged above the top bridge, then operability is improved and space is saved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operating member and arm member are arranged in the vertical dimension above the top bridge rather than horizontally, utilizing the height direction to achieve compact spatial arrangement while maintaining operational accessibility. This vertical stacking reduces the horizontal footprint and improves operability by positioning components within easy reach of the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The link member is disposed to overlap with the operating member along the vertical direction, creating a nested arrangement where multiple components occupy the same vertical space. This nesting reduces the overall device footprint and saves space while maintaining the functional independence of each component.
2Volume of moving object
If the lock member slides in conjunction with the link member, then the size of the arm member is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented into multiple components: the link member for transmission and the lock member for engagement. This segmentation allows the arm member to be smaller while the locking action is distributed across specialized components, reducing the size requirements of the arm member while maintaining functional reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The link member acts as an intermediary between the arm member and the lock member, transmitting motion and force while allowing for modular design. This intermediary component enables the system to achieve compact dimensions while maintaining precise control through dedicated transmission and locking elements.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the bracket covers the arm member and link member, then tamper resistance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A bracket serves as an enclosing structure that covers the arm member and link member, providing protection against tampering while maintaining a relatively simple geometric form. This enclosing shell approach protects internal components without requiring complex security mechanisms, achieving tamper resistance through straightforward structural coverage.
4Volume of moving object
If the link member slides parallel to the top bridge, then the overall device size is reduced, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The link member slides in a direction parallel to the top bridge rather than perpendicular to it, utilizing an alternative motion dimension. This parallel sliding arrangement reduces the overall device footprint by optimizing the spatial path of the link member, achieving compact dimensions while maintaining manufacturability through straightforward linear motion guidance.
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
The mechanism achieves a reduction in size and cost while improving operability and preventing external access, ensuring effective locking and unlocking operations with reduced machining complexity and precision requirements.
Implementation Method 1
when a pressing lever swings via a spring which acts as a fulcrum
Implementation Method 2
an arm member to which an operating force of the operating member is input, and a lock member adapted to lock steering of the steering unit by coming into engagement with the steering unit accompanying swinging of the arm member caused by the operating force
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
In a steering handle lock mechanism (10), accompanying swinging of an arm member (164) due to an operating force from an operating member (132) to the arm member (164), a link member (174) slides in a longitudinal direction in conjunction with an action point (204) of the arm member (164). The operating member (132) and the arm member (164) are arranged above a top bridge (106). In addition, a lock member (192) slides in the longitudinal direction in conjunction with the link member (174), whereby the lock member (192) engages in a recess (198) of the top bridge (106) .