Wheel Locking Nut Groove Geometry for Theft-Resistant Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-theft locking devices for vehicle wheels have limited groove patterns, making them vulnerable to theft attempts, and are difficult to produce in large quantities due to space and manufacturing constraints.
Innovation Solution
The device features a narrow annular groove with multiple changes of direction and a depth of at least 2 mm, allowing for a high number of unique patterns and easy industrial production, combined with a complementary projection for secure engagement with an interface member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a proprietary groove pattern is formed on the device to prevent theft, then security against theft attempts is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The groove pattern is segmented into multiple discrete elements (protrusions, recesses, angled surfaces) rather than a single continuous complex shape. This segmentation allows the same basic groove structure to generate multiple unique patterns by varying the configuration of segmented elements, thereby improving security while keeping the base manufacturing process simple and repeatable.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove pattern employs asymmetric features including protrusions and recesses positioned at specific locations with non-uniform distribution. The groove has asymmetric angular surfaces (e.g., 45-degree angles) that create unique geometric signatures. This asymmetry ensures that each groove pattern is distinct and cannot be easily replicated, enhancing security while maintaining manufacturability through standard machining operations.
2Reliability
If multiple different groove patterns are created to increase security, then theft protection is improved, but the manufacturing time and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single basic groove structure serves multiple functions: it provides the fundamental coupling interface for the interface member, creates the proprietary pattern through configurable elements (protrusions, recesses, angles), and enables mass production through standardized machining processes. By making the groove structure universal and multi-functional, the invention achieves both high security through pattern variation and high productivity through efficient manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention generates multiple unique groove patterns by changing geometric parameters of the basic groove structure, such as the number, position, and angular orientation of protrusions and recesses. These parameter variations (e.g., different angles, different spacing) create distinct patterns without requiring fundamentally different manufacturing processes, allowing rapid production of secure, unique patterns at high volume.
3Strength
If the groove is made deeper to ensure secure engagement, then the coupling strength is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The groove structure includes preliminary engagement features such as protrusions and recesses that establish coupling before full depth engagement is achieved. These preliminary features (e.g., positioning protrusions that engage recesses at shallower depths) provide initial mechanical interlocking and alignment, reducing the criticality of achieving precise deep groove dimensions while still ensuring secure final engagement.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An anti-theft locking device (11) for a vehicle wheel, comprising a cylindrical metal body provided with an engagement portion (15) having a female or a male thread, depending on whether said device (11) is made as a nut or a bolt, wherein said body comprises first coupling means (33) for engagement with a proprietary actuating wrench, which in turn is provided with second complementary coupling means (53) co-operating with said first coupling means (33) for rotating the locking device (11), wherein said first coupling means (33) comprise an axial groove (35) and said second coupling means (53) comprise an axial projection (55), wherein said first coupling means (33) have a width "d" smaller than or equal to 2 mm.