Steering Lock Cover Wall Prevents Slider Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional steering lock devices are vulnerable to improper unlocking due to lack of protection for the driven body and lock stopper, compromising antitheft performance.

Innovation Solution

A steering lock device with a lock member and slider mechanism, where a sloped portion on one and a sloped hole on the other coordinate to shift the lock member between lock and unlock positions, and a cover wall in the housing prevents removal of the slider even if the cover is removed, ensuring the lock member remains engaged.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the driven body and lock stopper are not protected, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the antitheft performance deteriorates as the cover can be removed to access and remove the lock member

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantitheft performanceVSAvoidhousing structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into a body and a cover that can be separated. The cover can be removed for maintenance or replacement, while the body contains the critical lock member and driven body components. This segmentation allows the housing to provide protection when assembled while remaining simple and serviceable when disassembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lock member is nested within the housing body, and the driven body is nested within the housing body as well. The lock member can be removed from the housing body, but the driven body remains protected. This nesting arrangement provides protection for critical components while allowing controlled access when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the lock member is easily accessible for removal, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security against improper unlocking deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelock member accessibilityVSAvoidunauthorized unlocking

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The housing body is designed to prevent removal of the lock member by providing a protective structure that blocks access to the lock member. The lock member can only be removed when the housing is properly disassembled or when the lock mechanism is activated through the steering wheel, preventing unauthorized removal attempts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The housing body acts as an intermediary between the external environment and the lock member. It provides a barrier that prevents direct access to the lock member, while still allowing the lock member to perform its function of engaging with the steering shaft when properly activated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of repair

If the slider can be removed when the cover is removed, then the ease of repair is improved, but the reliability of the locking mechanism deteriorates as the lock position cannot be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveslider accessibilityVSAvoidlock position maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is segmented into a removable cover and a fixed body. The cover can be removed to access the slider for repair or replacement, while the body remains in place to maintain the structural integrity and lock position. This segmentation allows maintenance access without compromising the locking mechanism's reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of repair

If the cover is made removable for maintenance, then the ease of repair is improved, but the security against improper act deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent accessibilityVSAvoidimproper unlocking

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The housing design incorporates preliminary protective measures where the cover and body are designed to fit together securely, preventing unauthorized removal. The lock member and driven body are positioned such that even if the cover is removed, the components remain protected and cannot be easily accessed or removed without proper tools and knowledge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

Enhances antitheft performance by preventing unauthorized unlocking and maintaining the lock position even if the cover is removed, thereby securing the steering shaft.

Implementation Method 1

The lock member 103 is urged toward a steering shaft 102 of an automobile by a coil spring 101

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

A sloped portion that is linearly sloped toward the steering shaft along a slide direction of the slider is provided on one of the lock member and the slider, and a sloped hole is provided on another of the lock member and the slider

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical coordination: Cam

Data Source

PatentUS8240176B2Steering lock device

Publication Date: 2012.08.14 ALPHA

AI summary

A steering lock device includes a pin protruded from a side surface of an arm of a slider, a guide groove disposed on a housing to accommodate the slider slidably, and a cover wall the pin when the slider positions at its lock end within the guide groove. According to the steering lock device, it can be made difficult to unlock a steering shaft through an improper act, and thereby superior antitheft performance can be brought.