Steering Locking Device Protrusion Inversion for Rigidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering locking devices face challenges in preventing unauthorized unlocking, compromising vehicle theft prevention, due to reduced rigidity of the locking member and cumbersome assembly processes, especially in limited spaces.
Innovation Solution
A steering locking device with a locking member featuring a protrusion instead of an engagement groove, allowing for improved rigidity and compact design, along with a sliding plate and holding portion configuration that enhances theft prevention by positioning the auxiliary locking member in a secure location and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an engagement groove is provided in the locking member, then the auxiliary locking member can engage with the locking member, but the rigidity of the locking member is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing an engagement groove in the locking member (as in prior art), the invention inverts the approach by providing a protrusion on the locking member that engages with a corresponding groove in the auxiliary locking member. This maintains the engagement function while preserving the locking member's rigidity, as the groove is now located in the auxiliary locking member rather than the critical locking member.
2Reliability
If the locking member is made larger to compensate for reduced rigidity, then the engagement groove can be provided, but the device size increases and component arrangement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention relocates the engagement groove from the locking member to the auxiliary locking member, and adds a protrusion to the locking member. This inversion allows the locking member to remain compact and rigid while the auxiliary locking member accommodates the groove, thus avoiding the need to increase the locking member's size.
3Ease of operation
If the auxiliary locking member is arranged near the locking member for easy engagement, then the locking function is effective, but it becomes vulnerable to unauthorized unlocking operations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention positions the auxiliary locking member inside the housing, nested within the overall locking device structure. The holding portion extends from the housing to engage with the auxiliary locking member, providing secure positioning while protecting it from external unauthorized access. This nested arrangement maintains functional effectiveness while enhancing security against theft.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a rigid frame protection wall is provided to cover the auxiliary locking member, then unauthorized unlocking is prevented, but the device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention integrates the protection function into the existing housing structure. The holding portion extends from the housing to engage with the auxiliary locking member, combining the housing's structural role with the protective function. This eliminates the need for separate rigid frame protection walls, reducing device complexity while maintaining security.
5Reliability
If the holding portion is designed to engage with the auxiliary locking member during assembly, then the auxiliary locking member is secured, but cumbersome assembly work is required
Solution Approach 1:
The holding portion is designed to automatically engage with the auxiliary locking member during the assembly process. As the auxiliary locking member is installed, the holding portion's engagement groove portion naturally aligns and engages with the corresponding protrusion, securing the component without requiring additional manual operations or complex assembly 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 solution enhances vehicle theft prevention by ensuring the locking member's rigidity and compactness, reducing the likelihood of unauthorized unlocking and simplifying the assembly process, thereby improving the overall security and usability of the steering locking device.
Implementation Method 1
The locking member 102 is urged by a coil spring 101 in a direction to an unillustrated steering shaft of an automobile (an upward direction in Figs. 1 and 2)
Implementation Method 2
urged in a direction to the locking member 102 by a spring member 111
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A steering locking device (1, 1A, 1B, 1C) includes: a locking member (6) including a first face (B) parallel to an axial direction of a steering shaft, a second face (C) perpendicular to the first face (B), and a protrusion (62) protruding from the second face (B); and a sliding plate (91) extending from the first face (B) in a plate thickness direction (D) of the locking member (6), arranged outside the first face (B), and engageable with the protrusion (62).