Vehicle Bonnet Locking Device with Unified Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional bonnet locking devices for vehicles require separate actuating means for the first and second inhibiting pawls, making them inconvenient to operate, especially in electrified vehicles where manual operation is increasingly seen as a drawback.

Innovation Solution

A bonnet locking device where both inhibiting pawls can be moved into their release positions using a single actuating means, which can be either manually activated or driven by an electric motor, allowing for coordinated activation at different times to facilitate easier opening and closing of the bonnet.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate actuating means are used for first and second inhibiting pawls, then the locking device provides reliable multi-stage security, but the operation becomes inconvenient and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking securityVSAvoidoperational convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate actuating means into a single actuating means that can control both the first and second inhibiting pawls. The actuating means includes a common drive mechanism with a first actuator for the first pawl and a second actuator for the second pawl, allowing both pawls to be controlled through one unified interface rather than requiring separate manual operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single actuating means is designed to perform multiple functions: it can actuate the first inhibiting pawl, actuate the second inhibiting pawl, and coordinate their operations in different sequences. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate actuating mechanisms while maintaining the security requirements of both pawls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate actuating means are used for first and second inhibiting pawls, then each pawl can be independently controlled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent control capabilityVSAvoidactuating mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two separate actuating mechanisms into one integrated actuating means that contains both a first actuator and a second actuator. This unified structure reduces the overall number of independent components and simplifies the mechanical architecture while preserving the ability to independently control each inhibiting pawl when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuating means serves as an intermediary mechanism that coordinates the control of both inhibiting pawls. It includes a common drive mechanism that can selectively engage with either the first actuator or the second actuator, providing a mediating structure that reduces complexity compared to having completely separate actuating systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual actuation is used for both pawls, then the locking device works in conventional vehicles, but it becomes a drawback in electrified vehicles where automated operation is preferred

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with conventional vehiclesVSAvoidautomation readiness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The single actuating means is designed with dual capability: it can be operated manually through a user interface while also being equipped with an electric motor for automated operation. This multi-functional design allows the same mechanism to serve both conventional manual applications and modern automated electrified vehicles without requiring separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the purely manual mechanical actuation system with an enhanced version that includes an electric motor capable of automatically actuating the inhibiting pawls. The motor can be integrated with the existing mechanical linkage, substituting manual effort with automated electrical actuation while maintaining compatibility with the original mechanical structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12123230B2Locking device for a vehicle door, and method

Publication Date: 2024.10.22 MAGNA CLOSURES INC

AI summary

A locking device for a vehicle door, in particular for a motor-vehicle bonnet, comprising a first inhibiting pawl prestressed into an inhibiting position, wherein a rotary latch can be arrested in a locking position by the first inhibiting pawl located in its inhibiting position, and a second inhibiting pawl prestressed into an inhibiting position, wherein the rotary latch can be arrested in a safety-catch position by the second inhibiting pawl located in its inhibiting position. The first and second inhibiting pawls can be transferred from their respective inhibiting position into a release position by a common actuating means.