Steering Lock Linear Slope Mechanism for Compact Axial Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional steering lock devices require a large axial height and varied specifications due to the need for a spiral slope on the worm wheel, leading to increased production costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A steering lock device with a lock member that slides between lock and unlock positions, utilizing linearly sloped portions on the lock member and slider to engage and disengage with the steering shaft, eliminating the need for a spiral slope on the worm wheel and allowing for cost reduction through component commoditization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spiral slope is provided on the worm wheel to enable the lock member to shift between lock and unlock positions, then the locking function is achieved, but the axial height of the worm wheel becomes large and production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the slope configuration from the axial direction (spiral slope on worm wheel) to the radial direction (linear slopes on slider surfaces). The slider has first and second linear slopes on its opposing surfaces that convert the motor's rotational motion into axial movement of the lock member through a different geometric arrangement, thereby reducing the axial height requirement of the worm wheel while maintaining the locking function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different specifications of worm wheel are prepared to adapt various stroke amounts and driving force requirements, then adaptability is improved, but production cost becomes high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables parameter adjustment by changing the specifications of the slider rather than the entire worm wheel assembly. By modifying the stroke amount, slope angles, or material properties of the slider component, the system can adapt to different locking force and stroke requirements. This modular approach allows cost-effective customization since only the slider needs to be varied, not the entire worm wheel structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized worm wheel design with the integrated slider mechanism can serve multiple applications with different locking requirements. The universal worm wheel structure combined with interchangeable or adjustable sliders allows a single base design to fulfill various stroke amounts and driving force needs, reducing the need for multiple specialized worm wheel specifications and thereby lowering production costs.
3Reliability
If a spiral slope on the worm wheel is used to shift the lock member, then the locking mechanism functions, but the device size along the stroke direction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs linear slopes on the slider surfaces (first and second slopes on opposing surfaces) instead of a spiral slope on the worm wheel. This dimensional change in the slope configuration allows the lock member to be shifted axially through the slider's motion, reducing the height requirement along the stroke direction while maintaining effective locking mechanism functionality.
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 solution achieves downsizing and cost reduction by eliminating the need for a spiral slope, enabling the lock member to be shifted using a slider, allowing for easier adaptation to different stroke amounts and driving forces, and ensuring reliable engagement with the steering shaft.
Implementation Method 1
a lock member (8), which is slidable between a lock position at which the lock member engages with a steering shaft to prohibit a rotation of the steering shaft
Implementation Method 2
A locking sloped portion that is linearly sloped toward the steering shaft along a slide direction of the slider is provided on at least one of contact portions of the lock member and the slider
Data Source
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AI summary
A steering lock device includes a lock member that is slidable between a lock position and an unlock position, and a slider that is disposed slidably in a direction perpendicular to a moving direction of the lock member. A sloped portion that is linearly sloped toward the steering shaft along a slide direction of the slider is provided on at least one of the lock member and the slider. The lock member is shifted between the lock position and the unlock position by the sloped portion in response to sliding of the slider. According to the steering lock device, downsizing can be brought due to its short height along a stroke direction of the lock member and cost reduction by commoditization of its main components can be achieved.