Compact Child-Lock Module for Vehicle Door Lock Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child lock mechanisms in vehicle door locks have complex structures and large volumes, occupying unnecessary space in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A locking module for door lock mechanisms that includes a housing, movable arms, and a driving assembly, allowing for a compact design that provides safety protection for children by preventing accidental unlocking while minimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a child lock mechanism is added to the door lock, then safety protection for children is improved, but the structure becomes more complex and occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the child lock mechanism with the existing door lock structure by integrating the locking portion into the movable arm assembly. The locking portion directly engages with the movable arm to prevent its movement, merging the safety function into the existing structural framework rather than adding a separate independent mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable arm serves multiple functions: it acts as both the actuating component for normal door locking/unlocking operations and as the engagement target for the locking portion in child lock mode. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for the child safety feature.
2Reliability
If a child lock mechanism is added to the door lock, then safety protection for children is improved, but the volume of the door lock increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking portion is designed to nest within or alongside existing components of the door lock mechanism. The locking protrusion fits into a locking groove on the movable arm, utilizing the existing spatial envelope of the door lock assembly without requiring additional external volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism utilizes the rotational dimension of the movable arm by engaging the locking portion perpendicular to the arm's movement direction. This allows the safety function to be implemented in a different dimensional orientation, efficiently using the existing three-dimensional space of the door lock mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
A locking module (1) of a door lock mechanism, the door lock mechanism, and a vehicle. The door lock mechanism comprises a lock tongue assembly. The locking module (1) comprises: a housing (10); a first movable arm (52), the first movable arm (52) being suitable for working in conjunction with the lock tongue assembly; a fitting member (60), the fitting member (60) driving the first movable arm (52) to rotate; a driving assembly (70), the driving assembly (70) driving the fitting member (60) to switch between an unlocked state and a locked state; and a second movable arm (51), at least part of the second movable arm (51), at least part of the first movable arm (52) and at least part of the driving assembly (70) being stacked. In the unlocked state, the fitting member (60) works in conjunction with the second movable arm (51), and the second movable arm (51) drives the first movable arm (52) by means of the fitting member (60) to rotate; and in the locked state, the fitting member (60) does not work in conjunction with the second movable arm (51).