Steering Wheel Lock With Trapped Key for Universal Vehicle Interlocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trapped key interlock systems are limited to use with vehicles having detachable brake couplings and are not adaptable for situations where the brake coupling is not decoupled.
Innovation Solution
A steering wheel lock that can be moved between a dismounted and a mounted state, featuring a locking mechanism that traps the key until the steering wheel lock is applied and locked to a steering wheel, thereby preventing unintended vehicle movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional trapped key interlock system using brake couplings is used, then the system ensures safety for vehicles with detachable brake couplings, but the system cannot be applied to vehicles with non-detachable brake couplings or rigid body vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel lock is designed as a universal device that can be applied to multiple vehicle types including rigid body vehicles, articulated vehicles, and vehicles with non-detachable brake couplings. The locking mechanism uses a cavity that receives the steering wheel rim, allowing the same device to function across different vehicle configurations without requiring vehicle-specific adaptations.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering wheel lock acts as an intermediary device between the key and the vehicle control system. By placing the locking mechanism on the steering wheel rather than the brake coupling, it mediates the safety function through a different interface that is accessible and applicable to all vehicle types, bypassing the limitation of brake coupling design.
2Ease of operation
If the steering wheel lock is designed to be easily installed without specialised training or tools, then the installation process becomes simple and quick, but the locking mechanism must still ensure robust security
Solution Approach 1:
The steering wheel lock is designed to be pre-assembled as a complete unit before installation. The locking mechanism, cavity, and key are integrated in advance, allowing the installer to simply mount the device onto the steering wheel without requiring complex assembly procedures, specialised tools, or training, while maintaining full locking functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
A steering wheel lock (1) movable between a dismounted state, in which the steering wheel lock (1) is separated from a steering wheel (200), and a mounted state, in which the steering wheel lock (1) is locked onto a steering wheel (200). The steering wheel lock (1) comprising a body (2) defining a cavity (3) for receiving a rim (201) of a steering wheel (200), a locking mechanism, and a key (5). The locking mechanism configured such that in the dismounted state the key (5) is trapped in the locking mechanism so as to remain connected to the steering wheel lock (1) while the steering wheel lock (1) is not mounted to a steering wheel (200), and in the mounted state the key (5) is separable from the locking mechanism and the steering wheel lock (1). The locking mechanism further comprising a locking member (10) movable between an unlocked position in which the locking member (10) is retracted out of the cavity (3) sufficiently to allow introduction of a rim (201) of a steering wheel (200) into the cavity, and a locked position in which the locking member (10) projects across the cavity (3) sufficiently to prevent withdrawal of said rim (201) of said steering wheel (200) out of the cavity (3).