Vehicle Security Device with Interlocking Plates and Foam Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current security devices for vehicles are not 100% effective in preventing theft, as determined thieves can overcome them with enough time and effort, and existing solutions are either expensive or easily removable.
Innovation Solution
A security device comprising a base plate, back plate, and removable front plate with a locking mechanism, featuring slots and projections for a strong interlocking connection, along with a soft foam base for added protection and difficulty in unauthorized removal, and adaptable design for different vehicle pedals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple locking device is used, then the device is inexpensive to manufacture, but the device is easily removable by thieves
Solution Approach 1:
The security device is divided into three separate plates (base plate, back plate, front plate) that must be assembled together to function. The locking mechanism is integrated into this multi-component structure, making the overall device more complex to remove than a simple single-piece lock, while each individual plate remains relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is nested within the multi-plate structure, where the locking component on the front plate engages with the locking mechanism mounted on the base plate. This nested arrangement integrates the locking function into the overall structural assembly, requiring thieves to disassemble multiple interconnected components rather than simply breaking a external lock.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is used, then the device provides better theft protection, but the device becomes more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the device into three plates with a locking mechanism, the complexity is distributed across multiple simple components rather than concentrating it in a single complex locking system. Each plate is relatively simple in design, but their interconnection creates the secure locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is merged with the structural assembly of the three plates. The locking component is not a separate external addition but is integrated into the front plate that also serves as a structural element. This merging reduces overall complexity compared to having a standalone complex locking system.
3Ease of operation
If the locking mechanism is easily accessible, then the device is easy to operate, but the device can be easily overcome by thieves
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is nested within the multi-plate structure, where the locking component on the front plate engages with the locking mechanism mounted on the base plate through the interlocking slots and projections. This nested arrangement allows the owner to lock the device from the outside while requiring thieves to disassemble multiple components to access or bypass the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The slots and projections act as intermediaries between the locking component and the locking mechanism. These interlocking features transmit the locking action while providing structural reinforcement, allowing the locking function to be accessed from outside while protecting the internal mechanism from direct access by thieves.
4Ease of manufacture
If the plates are simply connected, then the device is easy to manufacture, but the connection is weak and easily broken
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between plates uses asymmetric slots and projections that fit together in specific orientations. This asymmetric design provides strong mechanical interlocking that resists pulling and leverage forces, while the components themselves remain simple in shape and easy to manufacture using standard forming processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The slots and projections are designed with curved or rounded features that allow for some flexibility and stress distribution while maintaining strong interlocking. The curved geometry helps distribute forces across the connection points rather than concentrating stress at single sharp corners, increasing connection strength without adding manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A security device 10 comprises a base plate 12, a back plate 14 and a front plate 22. The back plate 14 is connected to the base plate 12 and includes one or more openings for receiving a pedal of a motor vehicle. A locking mechanism is mounted on the base plate 12. The removable front plate 22 is for engaging with the base plate 12 and the back plate 14 and includes a locking component 24 for locking to the locking mechanism. The base plate 12 and the back plate 14 are provided with a plurality of slots 28 and projections 30 and the front plate 22 is provided with corresponding opposite slots 28 and projections 30 that mate with the slots 28 and projections 30 on the base plate 12 and the back plate 14 when the front plate 22 engages with the base plate 12 and the back plate 14.