Description:PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHMENTS. , Claims:We Claim:
1. A lock system (100) for a steering column (200) of a vehicle, the system (100)
comprising:
a housing (1) connectable to the steering column (200) of the vehicle, wherein
the housing (1) is defined 5 with a base portion (2);
a first gear (3a) connected to a motor (4);
a second gear (3b) configured to be driven by the first gear (3a), the first gear
(3a) and the second gear (3b) being accommodated in the housing (1), wherein
the second gear (3b) is connected to a lock bolt (5) to selectively displace the
10 lock bolt (5) between a lock position and an unlock position relative to the
housing (1);
at least one pinion (6a) connected to the second gear (3b) and configured to
rotate based on rotation of the second gear (3b);
at least one rack (6b) engageably connected to the at least one pinion (6a) on
15 one end, to displace said rack (6b) between a first position (I) and a second
position (II) based on rotation of the at least one pinion (6a);
one or more sensors (7) disposed onto the base portion (2) to sense the first position
(I) and the second position (II) of the at least one rack (6b) relative to displacement of
the lock bolt (5) and generate at least one sensed signal; and
20 a control unit (8) communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors (7) to
receive the at least one sensed signal, wherein the control unit (8) is configured to:
receive at least one sensed signal from the one or more sensors (7)
indicative of position of the lock bolt (5); and
regulate supply of power to the motor (4) to selectively control
25 displacement of the lock bolt (5) between the lock position and the unlock
position to lock and unlock the steering column (200) of the vehicle.
2. The lock system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (1) comprises a casing
(9) connected to the base portion (2) to enclose the first gear (3a), the second gear (3b),
30 the at least one pinion (6a), the at least one rack (6b), the one or more sensors (7) and
the control unit (8), wherein the casing (9) is defined with a guideway (9a) to allow
sliding of the at least one rack (6b).
20
3. The lock system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first gear (3a) comprises a
worm gear (3a) connected to the motor (4) and wherein the second gear (3b) comprises
a worm wheel (3b) meshing with the first gear (3a).
4. The lock system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least 5 one rack (6b) is defined
with a plurality of teeth to a predefined length, wherein displacement of at least one
rack (6b) along the predefined length is adapted to proportionally displace the lock bolt
(5) between the lock position and the unlock position.
10 5. The lock system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors (7)
comprises at least two sensors (7) spaced apart on a circuit board (9) connected to the
base portion (2) of the housing (1) and above the at least one pinion (6a) and the at least
one rack (6b).
15 6. The lock system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the at least two sensors (7) are
spaced apart in proportion to the displacement of the at least one rack (6b) between the
first position (I) and the second position (II).
7. The lock system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one pinion (6a) is
20 rotatably defined on a cover (11) of the second gear (3b) parallel to a rotation axis of
the second gear (3b).
8. The lock system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one rack (6b) and the
at least one pinion (6a) are made of a metal, a non-metal, and combinations thereof.
25
9. The lock system (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the one or more sensors (7) are
selected from the group consisting of hall sensors, proximity switches, Capacitive
displacement sensors, Eddy-current sensors, Inductive sensors, Laser Doppler
vibrometer, Linear variable differential transformer (LVDT), Photodiode array, Piezo30
electric transducer (piezo-electric), Position encoders, Potentiometer, String
potentiometer and Ultrasonic sensor.
10. The lock system (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one rack (6b) may be
defined with a magnet (14) positioned at an end opposite to the one end being connected
35 to the at least one pinion (6a), and wherein the magnet (14) is configured to be sensed
21
by the hall sensors (7) on the first position (I) and the second position (II) of the at least
one rack (6b).
11. The lock system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first position (I) of the at least
one rack (6b) corresponds to the lock position of the lock 5 bolt (5) and wherein the
second position (II) of the at least one rack (6b) corresponds to the unlock position of
the lock bolt (5).
12. A method of operating a lock system (100) for a steering of a vehicle, comprising:
10 receiving, by a control unit (8), at least one signal indicative of a position of a
lock bolt (5) from a one or more sensors (7), wherein the lock bolt (5) is operable by
a first gear (3a), a second gear (3b), at least one pinion (6a) and at least one rack (6b)
coupled to a motor (4); and
regulating, by the control unit (8), supply of power to the motor (4) to selectively
15 control the first gear (3a), the second gear (3b), the at least one pinion (6a) and the at
least one rack (6b) to control displacement of the lock bolt (5) between a lock position
and an unlock position based on the at least one signal.

FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10, rule 13)
Title: “A LOCK SYSTEM FOR A STEERING COLUMN OF A VEHICLE AND A METHOD THEREOF”

Applicant Name Nationality Address
MINDA INDIAN E-5/2, Chakan Industrial Area,
CORPORATION Phase- III M.I.D.C.
LIMITED Nanekarwadi, Tal: Khed, Dist., Pune, Maharashtra, 410501, India.
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

TECHNICAL FIELD
Present disclosure, in general, relates to the field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a steering column of a vehicle. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a lock system for selectively locking the steering column of the vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
A vehicle, such as a passenger vehicle, heavy payload vehicles, low payload vehicles, cargoes, and any other vehicle capable of being steered by rotating a steering component, are operable by a driver to maneuver the vehicle. The steering component may be operably attached at an upper end portion of a steering column to be rotatable about an axis of the steering component. The steering component is coupled to vehicle's wheels such as front wheels and/or rear wheels to maneuver the vehicle.
Numerous devices and methods exist for locking the steering component from movement while locking the vehicle. Such devices and methods prevent the steering components such as, but not limited to, a steering column shaft from being rotated to steer the vehicle. A steering column lock is typically employed to prevent including, but not limited to, vehicle theft or unauthorized use. Conventionally, the steering column lock systems are often operated by a key of the vehicle employed to lock and unlock the vehicle.
With advancement of technology, locking systems to lock the steering column have become advanced, where a control unit is employed to lock and unlock the steering column. Some systems may incorporate position detection sensors to detect locking and unlocking of the steering column. However, such systems are complex in construction and further add to complexity of the steering column assembly. Further, the detection sensors are accommodated requiring additional space for the sensors which is not favorable since the steering column assembly is defined with space constraints.
The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the conventional mechanisms.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a system and a method as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the system and the method as claimed in the

present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure a lock system for a steering column of a vehicle is disclosed. The lock system comprises a housing, a first gear, a second gear, at least one pinion, at least one rack, one or more sensors and a control unit. The housing is connectable to the steering column of the vehicle, where the housing is defined with a base portion. The first gear is connected to a motor. The second gear is configured to be driven by the first gear. The first gear and the second gear are accommodated in the housing. The second gear is connected to a lock bolt to selectively displace the lock bolt between a lock position and an unlock position. The at least one pinion is connected to the second gear and is configured to rotate based on rotation of the second gear. The at least one rack is engageably connected to the at least one pinion on one end and displace between a first position and a second position based on the rotation of the at least one pinion. The one or more sensors is disposed onto the base portion to sense the first position and the second position of the at least one rack relative to displacement of the lock bolt and generate at least one sensed signal. The control unit is communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors. The control unit is configured to receive the at least one sensed signal from the one or more sensors indicative of position of the lock bolt. The control unit regulates supply of power to the motor to selectively control displacement of the lock bolt between the lock position and the unlock position to lock and unlock the steering column of the vehicle.
In an embodiment, the housing comprises a top portion connected to the base portion to enclose the first gear, the second gear, the at least one pinion the at least one rack, the one or more sensors and the control unit, wherein the casing is defined with a guideway to allow sliding of the at least one rack.
In an embodiment, the first gear comprises a worm gear connected to the motor and wherein the second gear comprises a worm wheel meshing with the first gear.
In an embodiment, the at least one rack is defined with a plurality of teeth to a predefined length, wherein displacement of the at least one rack along the predefined length is adapted to proportionally displace the lock between the lock position and the unlock position.

In an embodiment, the one or more sensors comprises at least two sensors spaced apart on a circuit board connected to the base portion of the housing and above the at least one pinion and the at least one rack.
In an embodiment, each sensor of the at least two sensors is spaced apart in proportion to the displacement of the at least one rack between the first position and the second position.
In an embodiment, the at least one pinion is defined on a cover of the second gear parallel to a rotation axis of the second gear.
In an embodiment, the at least one rack and the at least one pinion are made of a metal, a non-metal and combinations thereof.
In an embodiment, the one or more sensors is selected from the group consisting of hall sensors, proximity switches, Capacitive displacement sensors, Eddy-current sensors, Inductive sensors, Laser Doppler vibrometer, Linear variable differential transformer (LVDT), Photodiode array, Piezo-electric transducer (piezo-electric), Position encoders, Potentiometer., String potentiometer, and Ultrasonic sensor.
In an embodiment, the at least one rack may be defined with a magnet positioned at an end opposite to the one end being connected to the at least one pinion and configured to be sensed by the hall sensors on the first position and the second position of the at least one rack.
In an embodiment, the first position of the at least one rack corresponds to the lock position of the lock and wherein the second position of the at least one rack corresponds to the unlock position of the lock.
In another non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a method of operating a lock system for a steering of a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes steps of receiving at least one signal indicative of position of a lock from a one or more sensors by the control unit, where the lock is operable by a first gear, a second gear, at least one pinion and at least one rack coupled to a motor. The control unit regulates supply of power to the motor to selectively control the first gear, the second gear, the at least one pinion and the at least one rack to control displacement of the lock between a lock position and an unlock position based on the at least one signal.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
Figure 1a is an isometric view depicting arrangement of a lock system in a housing, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 1b is a sectional view of the lock system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 1c is an exploded view of the lock system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 1d is an isometric view of the lock system depicting arrangement of a lock, a first gear, a second gear, a rack and a pinion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 1e illustrates an isometric view depicting placement of a circuit board of the lock system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2a is an isometric view depicting an unlock position of a lock of the lock system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2b is an isometric view depicting a lock position of the lock of the lock system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 3a is a sectional view depicting interface of the lock with the steering column of a vehicle in the unlock position of the lock, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3b is a sectional view depicting interface of the lock with the steering column of a vehicle in the lock position of the lock, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the system and method illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.
The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device, assembly, mechanism, system, method that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or method.
Embodiments of the present disclosure discloses a lock system for a steering column of a vehicle. The lock system comprises a housing, a first gear, a second gear integrated with a lock bolt, at least one pinion, at least one rack, one or more sensors and a control unit. The housing is connectable to the steering column of the vehicle, where the housing is defined with a base portion. The first gear is connected to a motor. The second gear is connected to the first gear and driven by the first gear. The lock bolt selectively displaces between a lock position and an unlock position upon rotation of the second gear. The at least one pinion is connected to the

second gear and is configured to rotate based on rotation of the second gear. The at least one rack is engageably connected to the at least one pinion on one end and positioned to slide over a top surface of the second gear and displace between a first position and a second position based on the rotation of the at least one pinion. The one or more sensors is disposed onto the base portion just above the at least one rack. Each sensor of the one or more sensors is configured to sense the first position and the second position of the at least one rack and generate at least one sensed signal. The control unit is communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors. The control unit is configured to receive at least one signal from the one or more sensors indicative of position of the lock bolt. The control unit further regulates supply of power to the motor to selectively control displacement of the lock between the lock position and the unlock position to lock and unlock the steering column of the vehicle.
With the aforementioned configuration of the sensors and the rack and pinion, the system accurately detects position of the lock bolt and regulates the supply of power to lock and unlock the steering column appropriately, thereby eliminating requirement of additional space required for accommodating sensors.
The disclosure is described in the following paragraphs with reference to Figures 1a to 3b. In the figures, the same element or elements which have same functions are indicated by the same reference signs. It is to be noted that, the vehicle is not illustrated in the figures for the purpose of simplicity. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the system and the method as disclosed in the present disclosure may be used in any vehicle including but not liming to heavy and light commercial vehicles, load carrying vehicles, passenger vehicles, and the like. The system and the method of the present disclosure may also be implemented in vehicles having keyless ignition and key-based ignition, for suitably maneuvering the vehicle without deviating from the principles of the present disclosure.
Referring now to Figures 1a to 1e which depict different views of a lock system (100) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The lock system (100) may be configured to be mounted to at least a portion of a steering column (200) of a vehicle [explicitly not shown in Figures]. The lock system (100) may comprise a housing (1) configured to house the lock system (100) on one end and may be configured to receive the steering column (200) of the vehicle. The housing (1) may comprise a base portion (2) and a top portion (14), where the base portion (2) may be defined with a top end and a bottom end. The base portion (2) may receive components of the lock system (100) at the top end and the base portion (2) may be

defined with a curved portion at the bottom end configured to receive at least a portion of the steering column (200) of the vehicle as can be seen in Figure 1a. The top portion (14) may be configured to engage with the base portion (2) at the top end and may enclose the components of the lock system (100) within the housing (1). The lock system (100) may comprise a lock bolt (5) configured to selectively protrude from a slot defined in the curved portion to lock and unlock the steering column (200) as best seen in Figure 1d.
Referring now to Figure 1b and Figure 1d which illustrate an isometric and sectional views of the lock system (100) depicting coupling of a motor (4), a first gear (3a), a second gear (3b), a lock bolt (5), a rack (6b) and a pinion (6a). The housing (1) may be defined with the motor (4) positioned horizontally on one end of the base portion (2) and parallel to length or width of the base portion (2). The motor (4) may be configured to rotate in clockwise and anti-clockwise direction selectively to operate the lock system (100) which in-turn selectively locks and unlocks the steering column (200). The motor (4) may be connected to the first gear (3a), to selectively rotate the first gear (3a) about a first rotational axis of the motor (4). In an embodiment, the first gear (3a) may include a worm gear (3a) which is meshed with a gear profile of the motor (4) and rotatable about a first rotational axis. In the illustrative embodiment, the first rotational axis of the first gear (3a) is parallel to the length or width of the base portion (2) to allow rotation of the first gear (3a) about the first rotational axis. The lock system (100) may include the second gear (3b) engageably connected to the first gear (3a). In an embodiment, the second gear (3b) may rotate about a second rotational axis, wherein the second rotational axis is aligned with respect to the first rotational axis. The lock system (100) comprises the lock bolt (5) movably disposed in the second gear (3b) to selectively lock the steering column (200) of the vehicle based on rotation of the first gear (3a) and the second gear (3b) as can be seen clearly in Figure 1d. The second gear (3b) may include a worm wheel (3b) connected to the first gear (3a) converting rotation of the first gear (3a) about the first rotational axis to the rotation of the second gear (3b) about the second rotational axis to selectively operate the lock bolt (5). The second gear (3b) may be defined with a cam (13) arrangement on an inner surface connected between the second gear (3b) and the lock bolt (5) of the lock system (100) configured to convert the rotation of the second gear (3b) to sliding of the lock bolt (5) to selectively lock and unlock the steering column (200) of the vehicle.
Further, the second gear (3b) may be connected to a cover (11) positioned above configured to rotate along with the second gear (3b) about the second rotational axis of the second gear (3b).

The cover (11) may be defined with a cylindrical cross section to cover at least a portion of the second gear (3b). In an embodiment, the second gear (3b) may be defined with plurality of projections along a top surface and along circumference, while the cover (11) may be defined with a plurality of slots corresponding to the plurality of projections on the second gear (3b) for fitment of the cover (11) on the second gear (3b) as best seen in Figure 1b and Figure 1e. The cover (11) may be defined with at least one pinion (6a) on the top surface and in turn with the second gear (3b) about the second rotational axis. The at least one pinion (6a) may be defined with a first plurality of teeth, wherein the first plurality of teeth may rotate about the second rotational axis based on the rotation of the at least one pinion (6a). The at least one pinion (6a) may be positioned vertically on the top surface of the cover (11). The at least one pinion (6a) may be configured to engage with at least one rack (6b) positioned above the cover (11). The at least one rack (6b) may be defined with a second plurality of teeth corresponding to the first plurality of teeth of the at least one pinion (6a). In the illustrative embodiment, the second plurality of teeth are depicted on two parallel surfaces of a rectangular slot of the at least one rack (6b) on either side of the at least one pinion (6a) configured to engage with the first plurality of teeth of the at least one pinion (6a) on either sides for precise movement of the at least one rack (6b) and the same shall not be considered a limitation. In an embodiment, the at least one rack (6b) may be defined with the second plurality of teeth on an end and may be defined with a slot to receive a magnet (14) on other end which is opposite to the end defined with the second plurality of teeth as can be seen in Figure 1b. The at least one pinion (6a) and the at least one rack (6b) may aid in precise detection of the position of the at least one rack (6b) and the lock bolt (5). In the illustrative embodiment, the first rotational axis is perpendicular to the second rotational axis to convert the rotation of the first gear (3a) to sliding of the lock bolt (5) through movement of the at least one pinion (6a) and the at least one rack (6b) and operate the lock bolt (5) of the lock system (100) and the same shall not be considered to be a limitation.
Referring again to Figure 1b, the at least one pinion (6a) may be configured to selectively slide the at least one rack (6b) back and forth to a predetermined distance based on rotation of the at least one pinion (6a) and the second gear (3b) to enable biasing of the lock bolt (5) between lock and unlock position at the same time. In an embodiment, the at least one rack (6b) and the at least one pinion (6a) are made of a metal, a non-metal, and combinations thereof. The predetermined distance traversed by the at least one rack (6b) may be defined based on the rotation of the motor (4) in the first direction for a specific duration. The second plurality of

teeth of the at least one rack (6b) may also be defined up to a portion of the at least one rack (6b) proportional to the predetermined distance traversed by the at least one rack (6b) as can be seen in Figure 1b. The lock system (100) may further comprise one or more sensors (7) configured to sense position of the at least one rack (6b). The one or more sensors (7) may be positioned beneath a circuit board (9) facing portion of the at least one rack (6b) to sense position of the at least one rack (6b). In an embodiment, the one or more sensors (7) are selected from the group consisting of hall sensors, proximity switches, Capacitive displacement sensors, Eddy-current sensors, Inductive sensors, Laser Doppler vibrometer, Linear variable differential transformer (LVDT), Photodiode array, Piezo-electric transducer (piezo-electric), Position encoders, Potentiometer., String potentiometer, and Ultrasonic sensor.
In an embodiment, the one or more sensors (7) may include hall effect sensors (7), which may be coupled to the magnetic field of the magnet (14) positioned within the at least one rack (6b). In the illustrative embodiment, the one or more sensors (7) include a first sensor (7a), a second sensor (7b) and a third sensor (7c) where the first sensor (7a) sensor may be positioned proximal to the at least one rack (6b) to accurately sense the position of the at least one rack (6b) and the lock bolt (5). The second sensor (7b) and the third sensor (7c) may be spaced apart from the first sensor (7a) where the spacing between the first sensor (7a), the second sensor (7b) and the third sensor (7c) may be proportional to the predetermined distance traversed by the at least one rack (6b) to determine at least two positions of the at least one rack (6b) and the same shall not be considered a limitation. The second sensor (7b) and the third sensor (7c) may be spaced away from the first sensor (7a) along the length of the at least one rack (6b) to thereby sense two positions of the at least one rack (6b).
For example, the one or more sensors (7) may be selected as proximity switches and the at least one rack (6b) may be of a conductive metal or substantial part of the rack (6b) may be of conductive metal, where at least two proximity switches, such as a first proximity switch and a second proximity switch may be spaced apart below the circuit board (9) at a predetermined distance. The first position (I) of the at least one rack (6b) may be detected by the first proximity switch and wherein the second position (II) of the at least one rack (6b) may be sensed by the second proximity switch. The first proximity switch and the second proximity switch may be configured to transmit at least one sensed signal to the control unit (8).
For example, the one or more sensors (7) may be selected as capacitive displacement sensors, where at least two capacitive displacement sensors, such as a first capacitive displacement

sensor and a second capacitive displacement sensor may be spaced apart below the circuit board (9) at a predetermined distance and the at least one rack (6b) may be of a conductive metal or substantial part of the at least one rack (6b) may be of conductive metal. The first position (I) of the at least one rack (6b) may be detected by the first capacitive displacement sensor and wherein the second position (II) of the at least one rack (6b) may be sensed by the second capacitive displacement sensor. The first capacitive displacement sensor and the second capacitive displacement sensor may be configured to transmit at least one sensed signal to the control unit (8).
For example, the one or more sensors (7) may be selected as Eddy current sensors, where at least two Eddy current sensors, such as a first Eddy current sensor and a second Eddy current sensor may be spaced apart below the circuit board (9) at a predetermined distance and the at least one rack (6a) may be of a conductive metal or substantial part of the at least one rack (6a) may be of conductive metal. The first position (I) of the at least one rack (6b) may be detected by the first Eddy current sensor and wherein the second position (II) of the at least one rack (6b) may be sensed by the second Eddy current sensor. The first Eddy current sensor and the second Eddy current sensor may be configured to transmit at least one sensed signal to the control unit (8). In the illustrative embodiment, the at least one rack (6b) may be made of a metal to be detected by the first Eddy current sensor and the second Eddy current sensor.
For example, the one or more sensors (7) may be selected as inductive sensors, where at least two inductive sensors, such as a first inductive sensor and a second inductive sensor may be spaced apart below the circuit board (9) at a predetermined distance and the at least one rack (6b) may be of a conductive metal or substantial part of the at least one rack (6b) may be of conductive metal. The first position (I) of the at least one rack (6b) may be detected by the first inductive sensor and wherein the second position (II) of the at least one rack (6b) may be sensed by the second inductive sensor. The first inductive sensor and the second inductive sensor may be configured to transmit at least one sensed signal to the control unit (8). In the illustrative embodiment, the at least one rack (6b) may be made of a metal to be detected by the first Eddy current sensor and the second Eddy current sensor.
In an embodiment, the one or more sensors (7) may be selected as ultrasonic sensors, where at least two ultrasonic sensors, such as a first ultrasonic sensor and a second ultrasonic sensor may be spaced apart below the circuit board (9) at a predetermined distance and the at least one rack (6b) may be non-metallic. Further, a first receiver and a second receiver may be positioned

below the at least one rack (6b) to detect the first position (I) and the second position (II) of the at least one rack (6b) by sensing the ultrasonic waves emitted by the first ultrasonic sensor and the second ultrasonic sensor. The first receiver and the second receiver may be positioned either on a top surface of the at least one rack (6b) or beneath the at least one rack (6b) disposed onto the housing (1). The first position (I) of the at least one rack (6b) may be detected by the first proximity switch and wherein the second position (II) of the at least one rack (6b) may be sensed by the second proximity switch. The first ultrasonic sensor and the second ultrasonic sensor may be configured to transmit at least one sensed signal to the control unit (8). Similarly, other position detection sensors such as Linear variable differential transformer (LVDT), Photodiode array, Piezo-electric transducer (piezo-electric), Position encoders may also be positioned in the lock system (100) to detect the first position (I) and the second position (II) of the at least one rack (6b).
Referring now to Figure 1c which is an isometric view depicting placement of the circuit board (9) of the lock system (100). The circuit board (9) may be connected to the base portion (2) of the housing (1) and may be positioned above the at least one pinion (6a) and the at least one rack (6b). The circuit board (9) may be defined with a length, a width and a thickness wherein the length and width may be long enough to cover (11) overall arrangement of the motor (4), the first gear (3a), the second gear (3b), the at least one pinion (6a), the at least one rack (6b) beneath the circuit board (9). The circuit board (9) may house other electronic components of the lock system (100). The one or more sensors (7) may be connected to the circuit board (9) and positioned beneath the circuit board (9) proximal to the at least one rack (6b). In an embodiment, the circuit board (9) may include a printed circuit board (9) defined with a control unit (8) as best seen in Figure 1a. The control unit (8) is depicted on the circuit board (9) to electrically and/or electronically integrate the control unit (8) within the lock system (100). The control unit (8) may be configured to receive at least one signal from the one or more sensors (7) indicative of the position of the at least one rack (6b). The control unit (8) may be configured to regulate supply of power to the motor (4) based on the at least one signal received from the one or more sensors (7). The position of the at least one rack (6b) may include a first position
(I) and a second position (II) indicative of a lock position and an unlock position of the lock
bolt (5) of the lock system (100). For explanatory purposes, the first position (I) of the at least
one rack (6b) is depicted as unlock position of the lock bolt (5) and wherein the second position
(II) of the at least one rack (6b) is depicted as lock position of the lock bolt (5). The positions
of the first sensor (7a), the second sensor (7b) and the third sensor (7c) of the one or more

sensors (7) may also be arranged corresponding to the first position (I) and the second position (II) of the at least one rack (6b), where the first sensor (7a) of the at least three sensors (7) is configured to detect the second position (II) of the at least one rack (6b) and the lock position of the lock bolt (5). Further, the second sensor (7b) and the third sensor (7c) of the one or more sensors (7) may be spaced from the first sensor (7a) to detect the first position (I) of the at least one rack (6b) and the unlock position of the lock bolt (5) as best seen in Figure 1b. Such configuration of the first sensor (7a), the second sensor (7b) and the third sensor (7c) may aid in accurate sensing of the position of the at least one rack (6b) and the lock position and the unlock position of the lock bolt (5). The at least one signal received by the control unit (8) may include a first signal and a second signal, where the first signal may be transmitted by the first sensor (7a) and the second signal may be transmitted by the second sensor (7b) and the third sensor (7c). The control unit (8) may cut supply of power supplied to the motor (4) upon receiving the first signal indicative of unlock position of the lock bolt (5) and the second position (II) of the at least one rack (6b) proximal to the first sensor (7a) to avoid further traverse of the at least one rack (6b). Similarly, the control unit (8) may cut supply of power supplied to the motor (4) upon receiving the second signal indicative of lock position of the lock bolt (5) and the first position (I) of the at least one rack (6b) proximal to the second sensor (7b) and the third sensor (7c) to avoid further traverse of the at least one rack (6b). The control unit (8) may regulate supply of power from a power source such as but not limited to a battery, a capacitor and the like.
Referring now to Figure 1e which illustrates an exploded view of the lock system (100). The housing (1) may include a casing (10) configured to enclose the motor (4), the first gear (3a), the second gear (3b), the at least one pinion (6a) and the at least one rack (6b). The casing (10) may be defined with a guideway (10a) to allow sliding of the at least one rack (6b) along the guideway (10a). The casing (10) may be fastened to the top portion (14) of the lock system (100) and may also be fastened to the base portion (2) of the housing (1). Further, the cover (11) may be configured to receive a resilient member (12) positioned along/parallel to the second rotational axis of the second gear (3b). The resilient member (12) may be configured to assist the movement of the lock bolt (5) by biasing the lock bolt (5) between the lock position and the unlock position of the lock bolt (5).
Referring now to Figures 2a to 3b which illustrate different views depicting the unlock position and the lock position of the lock bolt (5). The lock bolt (5) may be defined with a top end and

a bottom end where the top end of the lock bolt (5) may be proximal to the cover (11) of the second gear (3b) and the bottom end may be configured to engage with the steering column (200) to lock and unlock the steering column (200). In the unlock position of the lock bolt (5), the top end may be proximal to the cover (11) and the at least one rack (6b) may be proximal to the second sensor (7b) and the third sensor (7c). The control unit (8) may be configured to allow supply of power to the motor (4) upon receiving a third signal corresponding to locking of the vehicle or turning off the engine from an engine ECU. The motor (4) may be configured to drive the first gear (3a) in a first direction and in turn drive the second gear (3b) about the second rotational axis. The second gear (3b) may bias the lock bolt (5) to the lock position through the cam (13) arrangement. The second gear (3b) may drive the cover (11) and the at least one pinion (6a) about the second rotational axis. The at least one pinion (6a) may be configured to drive the at least one rack (6b) where the other end of the at least one rack (6b) may be proximal to the first sensor (7a) indicative of lock position of the lock bolt (5). The lock bolt (5) may be configured to protrude or slide into a slot defined on the steering column (200) of the vehicle to restrict movement of the steering column (200), thereby restricting maneuvering of the vehicle in lock position of the lock bolt (5) as can be seen in Figures 2b and 3b. The first sensor (7a) may transmit the first signal to the control unit (8), where the control unit (8) may cut off supply of power to the motor (4) upon receiving the first signal to retain the lock bolt (5) in the lock position. Such configuration of one or more sensors (7) in the lock system (100) may accurately detect position of the lock bolt (5) and thereby reduce or eliminate malfunctioning of the lock system (100) while locking and unlocking the steering column (200) by the lock bolt (5) caused due to inaccurate detection of the position of the lock bolt (5).
Further, the control unit (8) may be configured to allow supply of power to the motor (4) upon receiving a fourth signal corresponding to unlocking of the vehicle or turning on the engine from an engine ECU. The motor (4) may be configured to drive the first gear (3a) in a second direction opposite to the first direction and in turn drive the second gear (3b) about the second rotational axis. The second gear (3b) may bias the lock bolt (5) to the unlock position through the cam (13) arrangement. The second gear (3b) may drive the cover (11) and the at least one pinion (6a) about the second rotational axis. The at least one pinion (6a) may be configured to drive the at least one rack (6b) where the other end of the at least one rack (6b) may be proximal to the second sensor (7b) and the third sensor (7c) indicative of unlock position of the lock bolt (5). The lock bolt (5) may be configured to retract or slide away from the slot defined on the

steering column (200) of the vehicle to allow movement of the steering column (200), thereby allowing maneuvering of the vehicle in lock position of the lock bolt (5) as can be seen in Figures 2a and 3a. The second sensor (7b) and the third sensor (7c) may transmit the second signal to the control unit (8), where the control unit (8) may cut off supply of power to the motor (4) upon receiving the second signal to retain the lock bolt (5) of the lock system (100) in the unlock position.
In an embodiment, the control unit (8) may be a centralised control unit of the vehicle or may be a dedicated control unit (8) to the system (100) associated with the centralised control unit of the vehicle. The control unit (8) may also be associated with other components including, but not limited to steering column, suspension system and the like. The control unit (8) may be comprised of a processing unit. The processing unit may comprise at least one data processor for executing program components for executing user- or system (100)-generated requests. The processing unit may be a specialized processing unit such as integrated system (bus) controllers, memory management control units, floating point units, graphics processing units, digital signal processing units, etc. The processing unit may include a microprocessor, such as AMD Athlon, Duron or Opteron, ARM’s application, embedded or secure processors, IBM PowerPC, Intel’s Core, Itanium, Xeon, Celeron or other line of processors, etc. The processing unit may be implemented using a mainframe, distributed processor, multi-core, parallel, grid, or other architectures. Some embodiments may utilize embedded technologies like application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), etc.
The control unit (8) may be disposed in communication with one or more memory devices (e.g., RAM, ROM etc.) via a storage interface. The storage interface may connect to memory devices including, without limitation, memory drives, removable disc drives, etc., employing connection protocols such as serial advanced technology attachment (SATA), integrated drive electronics (IDE), IEEE-1394, universal serial bus (USB), fiber channel, small computing system interface (SCSI), etc. The memory drives may further include a drum, magnetic disc drive, magneto-optical drive, optical drive, redundant array of independent discs (RAID), solid-state memory devices, solid-state drives, etc.
Referring now to Figure 3 which is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure illustrating a method of operating a lock system (100) for a steering column (200) of a vehicle.

The method may describe in the general context of processor executable instructions in the control unit (8). Generally, the executable instructions may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, and functions, which perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types.
The order in which the method is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks may be combined in any order to implement the method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the methods without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof.
The control unit (8) may be configured to allow supply of power to the motor (4) upon receiving a third signal corresponding to locking of the vehicle or turning off the engine from an engine ECU. The motor (4) may be configured to drive the first gear (3a) in a first direction and in turn drive the second gear (3b) about the second rotational axis.
At block 401, the first sensor (7a) may transmit the first signal or the second signal to the control unit (8), where the control unit (8) may receive the first signal and the second signal indicative of a position of the lock bolt (5). The position of the lock bolt (5) may comprise a lock position and an unlock position.
At block 402, the control unit (8) may cut off supply of power to the motor (4) upon receiving the at least one of the first signal and the second signal to retain the lock bolt (5) in the unlock position and the lock bolt (5) position.
EQUIVALENTS
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be

interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system (100) having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system (100) having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
Referral Numeral:

Component Referral numeral
system 100
housing 1
base portion 2
first gear 3a
second gear 3b
Motor 4
Lock bolt 5
At least one pinion 6a
At least one rack 6b
One or more sensors 7
first sensor 7a
second sensor 7b
third sensor 7c
control unit 8
circuit board 9
casing 10
Guideway 10a
cover 11
resilient member 12
cam 13
Magnet 14
steering column 200
First position I
Second position II

We Claim:
1. A lock system (100) for a steering column (200) of a vehicle, the system (100)
comprising:
a housing (1) connectable to the steering column (200) of the vehicle, wherein
the housing (1) is defined with a base portion (2); a first gear (3a) connected to a motor (4);
a second gear (3b) configured to be driven by the first gear (3a), the first gear (3a) and the second gear (3b) being accommodated in the housing (1), wherein the second gear (3b) is connected to a lock bolt (5) to selectively displace the lock bolt (5) between a lock position and an unlock position relative to the housing (1);
at least one pinion (6a) connected to the second gear (3b) and configured to rotate based on rotation of the second gear (3b);
at least one rack (6b) engageably connected to the at least one pinion (6a) on one end, to displace said rack (6b) between a first position (I) and a second position (II) based on rotation of the at least one pinion (6a);
one or more sensors (7) disposed onto the base portion (2) to sense the first position
(I) and the second position (II) of the at least one rack (6b) relative to displacement of
the lock bolt (5) and generate at least one sensed signal; and
a control unit (8) communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors (7) to
receive the at least one sensed signal, wherein the control unit (8) is configured to:
receive at least one sensed signal from the one or more sensors (7) indicative of position of the lock bolt (5); and
regulate supply of power to the motor (4) to selectively control displacement of the lock bolt (5) between the lock position and the unlock position to lock and unlock the steering column (200) of the vehicle.
2. The lock system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (1) comprises a casing
(9) connected to the base portion (2) to enclose the first gear (3a), the second gear (3b), the at least one pinion (6a), the at least one rack (6b), the one or more sensors (7) and the control unit (8), wherein the casing (9) is defined with a guideway (9a) to allow sliding of the at least one rack (6b).

3. The lock system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first gear (3a) comprises a
worm gear (3a) connected to the motor (4) and wherein the second gear (3b) comprises a worm wheel (3b) meshing with the first gear (3a).
4. The lock system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one rack (6b) is defined
with a plurality of teeth to a predefined length, wherein displacement of at least one rack (6b) along the predefined length is adapted to proportionally displace the lock bolt (5) between the lock position and the unlock position.
5. The lock system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors (7)
comprises at least two sensors (7) spaced apart on a circuit board (9) connected to the base portion (2) of the housing (1) and above the at least one pinion (6a) and the at least one rack (6b).
6. The lock system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the at least two sensors (7) are
spaced apart in proportion to the displacement of the at least one rack (6b) between the first position (I) and the second position (II).
7. The lock system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one pinion (6a) is
rotatably defined on a cover (11) of the second gear (3b) parallel to a rotation axis of the second gear (3b).
8. The lock system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one rack (6b) and the
at least one pinion (6a) are made of a metal, a non-metal, and combinations thereof.
9. The lock system (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the one or more sensors (7) are
selected from the group consisting of hall sensors, proximity switches, Capacitive displacement sensors, Eddy-current sensors, Inductive sensors, Laser Doppler vibrometer, Linear variable differential transformer (LVDT), Photodiode array, Piezo-electric transducer (piezo-electric), Position encoders, Potentiometer, String potentiometer and Ultrasonic sensor.
10. The lock system (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one rack (6b) may be
defined with a magnet (14) positioned at an end opposite to the one end being connected
to the at least one pinion (6a), and wherein the magnet (14) is configured to be sensed

by the hall sensors (7) on the first position (I) and the second position (II) of the at least one rack (6b).
11. The lock system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first position (I) of the at least one rack (6b) corresponds to the lock position of the lock bolt (5) and wherein the second position (II) of the at least one rack (6b) corresponds to the unlock position of the lock bolt (5).
12. A method of operating a lock system (100) for a steering of a vehicle, comprising:
receiving, by a control unit (8), at least one signal indicative of a position of a lock bolt (5) from a one or more sensors (7), wherein the lock bolt (5) is operable by a first gear (3a), a second gear (3b), at least one pinion (6a) and at least one rack (6b) coupled to a motor (4); and
regulating, by the control unit (8), supply of power to the motor (4) to selectively control the first gear (3a), the second gear (3b), the at least one pinion (6a) and the at least one rack (6b) to control displacement of the lock bolt (5) between a lock position and an unlock position based on the at least one signal.

ABSTRACT
“A LOCK SYSTEM FOR A STEERING COLUMN OF A VEHICLE AND A
METHOD THEREOF”
The present disclosure discloses a lock system (100) for a steering column (200) of a vehicle. The system (100) comprises a housing (1), a first gear (3a), a second gear (3b), at least one pinion (6a), at least one rack (6b), one or more sensors (7) and a control unit (8). The first gear (3a) and the second gear (3b) connected to a lock bolt (5) selectively displace the lockbolt (5) between a lock position and an unlock position where, the second gear (3b) is connected to at least one rack (6b) and at least one pinion (6a) to be slidable between a first position (I) and a second position (II) corresponding to lock position and unlock position of the lockbolt (5). With such configuration, the system (100) may accurately detect position of the lockbolt (5) and regulate supply of power to lock and unlock the steering column (200) appropriately.
Figure 1a is a representative figure.