Vehicle Key Reading Device Vibration Damping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing reading devices for motor vehicle keys, particularly those with electronically coded keys lacking mechanical bits, generate undesirable noise due to key vibrations during vehicle operation.

Innovation Solution

A reading device with a housing featuring an element made of a relatively soft material that protrudes into the key shaft, narrowing the insertion cross-section, which absorbs vibrations and reduces noise by coming into contact with the key on all sides, preventing unwanted noise development.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a motor vehicle key is inserted into the key shaft of a reading device, then the key can be authenticated and locked in position, but the key can be unintentionally pulled off or removed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvekey retentionVSAvoidkey removal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism dynamically changes the state of the key shaft from open to closed position, automatically securing the key when inserted and requiring active operation to release, thus maintaining reliability while enabling controlled ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If an electronically coded motor vehicle key without mechanical bit is inserted into the key shaft, then authentication can take place, but the key generates mechanical vibrations and touches the housing, causing undesirable noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthentication functionVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A damping element made of elastomeric material is introduced as an intermediary between the key and the housing, absorbing vibrations and preventing direct contact that causes noise, while allowing the key to perform its authentication function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The material properties of the key shaft are changed by incorporating an elastomeric damping element with specific hardness (Shore A 30-90), which alters the mechanical interaction between key and housing to reduce vibration transmission and noise generation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Effectively prevents noise generation within the vehicle interior by utilizing an elastically deformable soft material element that contacts the key on all sides, reducing vibration-induced noise.

Implementation Method 1

the element being made of a relatively soft material compared to the housing... an element made of a relatively soft material protrudes into the key slot... the same comes into contact with the element made of the relatively soft material... an undesired development of noise in the motor vehicle interior, which is caused by vibration of the motor vehicle key during operation, can be effectively prevented

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2247474B1Reading device for accommodating a motor vehicle key
Publication Date: 2011.06.29 DR ING H C F PORSCHE AG
  • EP2247474B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a reading device (10), in particular an ignition lock, for accommodating a motor vehicle key (11), having a housing (13) which defines a key shaft (14), wherein a motor vehicle key can be at least partially introduced into the key shaft. According to the invention, an element (18), which protrudes at least partially into the key shaft (14) in such a way that the element (18) makes an insertion cross section for the ignition key (11) narrower at least partially, is assigned to the housing (13), wherein the element (18) is manufactured from a relatively soft material compared to the housing (13).