Steering Lock Retaining Device for Nib Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical steering locks for vehicles are not adequately reliable and efficient, requiring strong materials and increased weight, dimensions, and production costs to maintain the nib in its withdrawn position, especially after long use or accidents.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical steering lock design featuring two independent retaining devices, one of which acts directly on the nib and is protected from external impacts, allowing for the use of lighter materials like plastics and reducing overall dimensions, while ensuring the nib remains in its withdrawn position even if other components fail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high strength materials and strengthened parts are used to maintain nib reliability, then reliability is improved, but weight and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a retaining member that withholds the cam operating device component before failure can occur. This preventive mechanism ensures the nib remains in its withdrawn position even under accident conditions or after long operating times, eliminating the need for high strength materials while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam operating device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the safety device and the nib. It translates the retaining member's withholding action into reliable nib position maintenance, allowing the use of lighter materials while preserving the required reliability through mechanical advantage and controlled force transmission.
2Reliability
If high strength materials and strengthened parts are used to maintain nib reliability, then reliability is improved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining member withholds the cam operating device component before failure can occur, providing a simple preventive mechanism that ensures nib position reliability without requiring expensive high strength materials or complex manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a simple retaining member and cam operating device that can be manufactured at low cost using conventional materials and processes. These components are designed to be replaceable and simple in construction, reducing production costs while maintaining the required reliability through their functional design rather than material strength.
3Reliability
If the retaining member withholds the cam operating device component, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining member provides a simple preventive withholding mechanism that maintains nib reliability without requiring complex systems. The cam operating device translates this simple withholding action into reliable nib position control through its mechanical design.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam operating device serves multiple functions: it translates the retaining member's withholding action into nib position control, and it provides a mechanical advantage system that amplifies the retaining member's effect. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, keeping the overall device complexity low while maintaining high reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
In a mechanical steering lock (1) for vehicles, an angular locking nib (6) of a steering shaft (4) is movable away from and towards a releasing position, in which the free rotation of the steering shaft (4) is allowed, and is withheld in this releasing position by two retaining means (23) (24) arranged parallel to each other and one (24) of which comprises a stop element (28) movable away from and towards a retaining position, in which it cooperates abutting against an axial shoulder (44) of the nib (6).