Motor Vehicle Door Latch Integrated Memory Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle door latches often require multiple complex constructional elements to manage the opening movement and storage position of the locking mechanism, leading to a protruding and potentially defective design.

Innovation Solution

A dual-component memory element comprising a control lever and a blocking lever, coaxially located with the catch and release element, ensures unimpeded opening by maintaining the release element in an ineffective position during the opening movement, reducing the number of components and simplifying the construction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate constructional elements are used to manage opening movement and storage position, then the locking mechanism can be controlled, but the device becomes protruding and complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol of locking mechanismVSAvoidnumber of constructional elements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the memory element and blocking lever into a single integrated component that performs multiple functions: maintaining the release element in an ineffective position, controlling the opening movement of the catch, and providing storage position. This merging reduces the number of separate constructional elements while maintaining reliable control of the locking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The memory element is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as a memory device, a blocking mechanism, and a control element for the opening movement. This universal component replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate elements, simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate elements are used for triggering and storage functions, then each function can be optimized, but the construction becomes protruding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional optimizationVSAvoidprotruding construction

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The triggering and storage functions are merged into the single memory element structure. The blocking lever integrated into the memory element performs both the triggering function (maintaining release element position) and the storage function (controlling catch opening movement), eliminating the need for separate protruding components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking lever is nested within the memory element structure, with the blocking lever's axis coinciding with the catch's axis. This nesting arrangement allows the blocking lever to be housed within the overall memory element assembly, reducing the protruding construction while maintaining both triggering and storage functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If multiple components are used to ensure unimpeded opening movement, then the opening function is reliable, but the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunimpeded opening movementVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The memory element and blocking lever are merged into a single integrated component that ensures unimpeded opening movement. The blocking lever, as part of the memory element, maintains the release element in the ineffective position during the entire opening movement of the catch, providing reliable function with reduced component quantity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated memory element serves as a universal component that simultaneously ensures unimpeded opening movement, maintains release element position, and provides storage position control, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This configuration allows for a compact, cost-effective, and functionally simple operation of the motor vehicle door latch, ensuring unimpeded opening and maintaining the release element in an ineffective position until the catch has completed its movement, thus reducing the need for additional components and potential defects.

Implementation Method 1

The control lever is pre-tensioned with a spring in the direction of its neutral position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS10865589B2Motor vehicle door latch

Publication Date: 2020.12.15 KIEKERT AG

AI summary

A motor vehicle door latch is equipped with a locking mechanism including a catch and a pawl, a release element for the locking mechanism, and a memory element that effects an unimpeded opening movement of the catch from a closed to an open position and maintains the release element in an ineffective position in respect of the locking mechanism during the opening movement of the catch. The memory element includes at least two components with a control lever and a blocking lever interacting with the release element located thereon.