Steering Lock Lever Pinless Pivot Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering lock devices require a pin as a swing pivot point, increasing costs and complexity in assembly and device size.
Innovation Solution
The steering lock device eliminates the need for a pin by using a depressed portion as a pivot-point receive portion and a protruded portion as a pivot-point portion, allowing the lever to swing closer to the center axis, reducing the device's size and parts, and controlling locking/unlocking states via key insertion/removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pin is used as a swing pivot point for the lever, then the lever can swing smoothly to control locking/unlocking, but the number of parts increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pin component entirely from the system. Instead of using a separate pin as a swing pivot point, the lever is designed with an integrated swing pivot portion that directly engages with the cylinder case, eliminating the need for the pin while maintaining the lever's swinging functionality for lock control
Solution Approach 2:
The lever and swing pivot function are merged into a single integrated structure. The swing pivot portion is formed as part of the lever body, combining what were previously separate components (lever + pin) into one piece, thereby reducing the number of parts while preserving the swinging motion capability
2Ease of operation
If a pin is used as a swing pivot point, then the lever can be supported for swinging motion, but assembly workability decreases due to press-fitting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the pin component that required press-fitting assembly. The swing pivot function is extracted from a separate pin component and integrated into the lever structure, removing the need for press-fitting operations and improving assembly workability
Solution Approach 2:
The swing pivot portion is designed as a distinct functional segment of the lever with a specific shape that directly fits into the cylinder case, allowing for simpler assembly without requiring additional fastening operations like press-fitting
3Ease of operation
If the lever is positioned farther from the center axis to accommodate a pin, then the lever can swing freely, but the overall device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the swing pivot function into the lever structure itself, the design allows the lever to swing freely while positioned closer to the center axis. The integrated swing pivot portion engages with the cylinder case in a way that provides the necessary swinging range without requiring additional radial space that would increase overall device size
Data Source
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AI summary
In a steering lock device, a lever extending along an axial direction of a key rotor is provided between a housing and a key cylinder 3. A pivot-point portion protruded toward the key cylinder is provided on the lever. The lever swings about the pivot-point portion as its swing center in a radial direction of the key cylinder in a state where the pivot-point portion contacts with a pivot-point receive portion on the key cylinder. Then the lever is displaced in the radial direction of the key rotor with its end portion as its pivot point. According to the steering lock device, a pin as a swing center is not required, and locking/unlocking the lock member can be controlled by the lever along with insertion/removal of the key.