IMPROVED IGNITION SWITCH CUM STEERING LOCK

A multilevel authentication based electronic lock unit for a vehicle, said lock unit working in conjunction with an electronic control unit, the lock unit comprising: a first switch operatively coupled to the electronic control unit for initiating first level of authentication; a rotor having a top end, a bottom end and at least two sideward protruding arms which are spaced apart; a knob rigidly fixed to the top end of the rotor for facilitating steering LOCK/UNLOCK and ignition ON/OFF of the vehicle; a ring having at least two plates protruding from inner circumference of the ring, the plates being spaced apart so as to form a slot between any two adjacent plates to all the allow the rotor and its protruding arms to pass through; the bottom side of each plate being provided with projections to engage the arms of the rotor within the said projections; a cam unit comprising: a cylindrical body which mates with the bottom end of the rotor; and a cam element rigidly connected to the cylindrical body; a movable stopper positioned between the bottom end of the rotor and the cylindrical body for separating the rotor from the cam unit; and a second switch operatively coupled to the electronic control unit and being actuated by the movement of the cam element for initiating second level of authentication.