Steering Column Lock Housing Redundant Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical steering column lock systems for motor vehicles lack reliability due to insecure attachment methods between the cover and plate of the housing, which can lead to functional risks if bolts or clamping pins fail or loosen.
Innovation Solution
A redundant fixing system is implemented using projections on the cover that are fixed to the plate and the steering column, combined with a crimping process to secure the cover and plate together, providing additional safety and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If bolts or clamping pins are used to attach the cover to the plate, then the housing can be assembled, but the attachment becomes unreliable and may fail or loosen
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing system is divided into multiple independent fixing means (first fixing means for the plate, second fixing means for the cover, and third fixing means connecting both), so that if one fixing means fails, the others maintain the structural integrity. This segmentation of the attachment system resolves the contradiction by distributing the reliability burden across multiple independent connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a redundant fixing system where multiple fixing means are provided in advance to compensate for potential failures. The third fixing means specifically connects both the plate and cover together with the steering column, providing a backup connection that cushions against the failure of either the first or second fixing means, thereby ensuring beforehand protection against attachment failure.
2Reliability
If a redundant fixing system with multiple fixing means is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The third fixing means merges the fixation functions of both the plate and the cover into a single integrated connection system. By providing a common fixing mechanism that attaches both components simultaneously to the steering column, the patent reduces the overall complexity compared to having completely separate fixing systems for each component, while still maintaining redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The third fixing means serves multiple functions: it fixes the plate to the steering column, fixes the cover to the steering column, and provides a backup connection that compensates for potential failures in the first or second fixing means. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving redundancy.
3Reliability
If projections on the cover are fixed through the plate and steering column, then additional safety is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The projections are pre-formed on the cover during the molding process, and the receiving structures are pre-formed on the plate. This preliminary action allows the complex three-dimensional fixing structure to be created in advance during standard manufacturing processes, rather than requiring complex post-assembly operations. The actual connection is then achieved through simple insertion and crimping operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional multi-step mechanical fastening operations with a thermally-assisted crimping process. The crimping tool applies localized heat and pressure to deform the projections into the receiving structures, creating a permanent mechanical interlock. This substitution of the joining mechanism simplifies the assembly process compared to traditional bolt-and-nut systems with multiple fastening steps.
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 redundant fixing system ensures secure attachment of the cover and plate to the steering column, even if the initial connection fails, enhancing the reliability and robustness of the housing assembly and preventing detachment.
Implementation Method 1
The cover and the plate are fixed together and to the steering column by a material deformation process, comprising a crimping process, for example a hot crimping process.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an electrical steering column lock (1) for a motor vehicle able to lock and unlock a steering column (3) of the motor vehicle, the electrical steering column lock (1) comprising: - a locking means (5) intended to move for locking and for unlocking the steering column (3), and - a housing (7) supporting the locking means (5) and comprising: ○ a plate (21) comprising at least one fixing part (26) intended to be fixed to the steering column (3) through first fixing means (25), and ○ a cover (23) arranged over the plate (21) for closing the housing (7) and attached to the plate (21) through second fixing means (29, 31), characterized in that the cover (23) comprises at least one third fixing means cooperating with an associated first fixing means (25) for fixing the housing (7) to the steering column (3), so that the cover (23) is fixed to the plate (21) through the second fixing means (29, 31) and through the first fixing means (25) to the steering column (3). The invention also relates to method for assembling the housing (7) of such electrical steering column lock (1).