Vehicle Wheel Lock Security Plate and Key Lug Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wheel locks for vehicles are vulnerable to improper removal by thieves, as they can be easily pried apart or opened, failing to effectively secure lug nuts and prevent theft of expensive wheels.
Innovation Solution
A wheel lock system featuring a security plate with circumferentially spaced openings to cover and secure lug nuts, incorporating a lock lug with an irregular key recess and a key lug for secure engagement, preventing unauthorized access and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional lug nuts are used without additional security devices, then ease of operation is maintained, but reliability of wheel security deteriorates as thieves can easily remove them
Solution Approach 1:
The security device is divided into separate components: a security plate that covers multiple lug nuts and a separate lock lug with key. This segmentation allows the system to maintain ease of operation for authorized users while providing reliable security against theft.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock lug acts as an intermediary element between the security plate and the wheel stud. It provides the necessary security function by requiring a key for removal, while still allowing conventional lug nuts to be easily removed by authorized users who possess the key.
2Reliability
If security devices are added to protect lug nuts, then reliability of wheel security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The security plate serves multiple functions: it covers and protects multiple lug nuts simultaneously, provides mounting positions for lock lugs, and creates a unified security system that can be removed as a single unit. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock lug is designed to be inserted into a receptacle in the security plate, creating a nested structure. The lock lug with its key recess fits within the confines of the security plate, providing secure engagement while maintaining a compact overall structure.
3Reliability
If lock lugs with key recesses are used, then reliability against improper removal is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional steps required
Solution Approach 1:
The lock lug features an irregularly shaped key recess that does not accept conventional tools or prying devices. This asymmetric design provides reliable resistance to improper removal attempts while maintaining ease of operation for authorized users who have the correct key with the matching projection pattern.
Data Source
AI summary
A wheel lock for a vehicle wheel of the type comprising a body having a central attachment flange and studs passing through it. A security plate has a front side and a rear side; the rear side has a plurality of first circumferentially spaced-apart openings arranged to receive wheel studs; each of the first circumferentially spaced-apart openings is sized to receive a lug nut threaded on a wheel stud. There is at least one second opening where the second opening also sized to receive a wheel stud. The front side has a cover over the first circumferentially spaced-apart openings preventing access to lug nuts threaded on corresponding wheel studs. The front side has a receptacle concentric with the second opening for receiving a lock lug. The lock lug has a threaded hole for engaging a wheel stud and a key recess for engagement with a corresponding key lug.