Bowden Cable Locking Device with Electric Drive Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle locking systems lack a reliable method to prevent actuation of the locking device when an impediment is detected, potentially leading to collisions or safety hazards, and require a constructive, simple, and cost-effective solution for actuation and safety enhancement.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a Bowden cable and an electric drive-based functional unit that can brake the Bowden cable core, providing haptic feedback to the driver and preventing actuation, utilizing a slider and lever mechanism for adjustable braking and integration with sensors for impediment detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an electric drive is integrated into the Bowden cable to enable remote actuation of the lock, then the convenience and automation of door locking is improved, but the risk of unintended actuation when impediments are present increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a sensor detects impediments in the door's movement path and provides information to the control unit. The control unit then prevents the electric drive from actuating the lock when an impediment is detected, creating a closed-loop safety system that eliminates the harmful effect of unintended actuation while preserving automation.
2Reliability
If a braking mechanism is added to the Bowden cable to prevent core movement, then safety against unintended actuation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the braking mechanism with the existing Bowden cable structure by integrating a brake lever that acts directly on the cable core. The brake lever is coupled with the electric drive's output shaft, so that the same motor that provides actuation force also controls the braking function through a simple mechanical connection, avoiding the need for a separate complex braking system.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric drive serves multiple functions: it provides the actuating force to move the lock, controls the braking mechanism through its output shaft connection to the brake lever, and can be controlled to prevent unintended actuation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, maintaining simplicity while achieving safety.
3Reliability
If a functional unit with electric drive is integrated onto the Bowden cable, then the locking system's safety and control capabilities are improved, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the functional unit components within the existing Bowden cable structure. The electric drive, brake lever, and sensor are integrated into the cable assembly in a compact arrangement where smaller components are positioned within or alongside larger structural elements, reducing the overall space required and simplifying the manufacturing process by minimizing the number of separate assembly operations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively prevents actuation of the locking device when an impediment is detected, enhancing safety and comfort by providing haptic feedback and adjustable braking, while maintaining manual actuation capabilities and integrating with vehicle sensors for comprehensive safety.
Implementation Method 1
a functional unit arranged on the Bowden cable and comprising an electric drive
Implementation Method 2
the movement of the Bowden cable core can be braked
Data Source
AI summary
A method for actuating a motor vehicle lock and a locking device for a motor vehicle includes an actuating lever, a lock and a Bowden cable arranged between the actuating lever and the lock, the lock can be actuated by means of the actuating lever and with the aid of the Bowden cable, and a functional unit arranged on the Bowden cable and comprising an electric drive.