Power Child Lock Lever Linkage for Interference-Free Door Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power child lock devices experience interference between components when a rear door occupant opens the door and the driver simultaneously operates the power child lock switch, preventing smooth operation and potentially causing component damage.

Innovation Solution

The power child lock operating device features a series of interconnected levers with an elastic member and a rotating drive mechanism, including a worm gear and pressurizing spring, which allows for smooth operation without interference, ensuring reliable and damage-free operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a power child lock device is implemented to allow driver-controlled locking/unlocking, then convenience and ease of operation are improved, but component interference occurs when simultaneous door opening and power child lock release operations are performed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriver-controlled child lock operationVSAvoidoperation smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a movable connection state between the inside handle lever and the third operating lever, allowing the system to dynamically switch between connected and disconnected states. This dynamic adjustment prevents interference during simultaneous operations while maintaining normal functionality, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the inside handle lever is always connected to the third operating lever, then manual door opening operation is reliable, but interference occurs during simultaneous power child lock release operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual door opening reliabilityVSAvoidcomponent interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connection state between the inside handle lever and the third operating lever is changed from static (always connected) to dynamic (conditionally connected). The elastic member enables automatic connection/disconnection based on operational conditions, eliminating interference during power child lock release while maintaining reliability for manual door opening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member acts as an intermediary mechanism that controls the connection state between the inside handle lever and the third operating lever. It mediates the interaction between these components, allowing connection when needed (manual opening) and disconnection when interference would occur (power child lock release).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 enables seamless operation of the power child lock device, enhancing reliability and preventing component damage by eliminating interference between levers, thus improving the overall functionality and durability of the vehicle's child lock system.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member coupled to the third operating lever and the fourth operating lever and biasing in a predetermined direction so that the third operating lever is configured to be connected to the inside handle lever

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a worm as a drive gear provided in the drive motor, a first operating lever having a worm gear engaged with the worm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWorm Drive: Worm Drive

Data Source

PatentEP3517716B1Power child lock operating device
Publication Date: 2021.12.08 KIA CORPORATION
  • EP3517716B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3517716B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3517716B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A power child lock operating device may include a rotating drive device (10); a first operating lever (30) which receives the torque of the rotating drive device (10) to be rotated; a second operating lever (40) connected to the first operating lever (30) to be moved together; a third operating lever (50) connected to a door catch to lock or unlock the door catch; an inside handle lever (60) connected to an inside handle disposed at a door of a vehicle to be moved together; a fourth operating lever (70) selectively connecting the inside handle lever (60) and the third operating lever (50); and an elastic member (80) pressurizing to the fourth operating lever (70) so that the third operating lever (50) may be connected to the inside handle lever (60), improving the operation reliability of the power child lock device.