Door Latch Spindle Drive With Integrated Nut-Coupling Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive arrangements for motorized adjustment of actuating elements in motor vehicle door latch housings require significant installation space due to the interposed coupling element's sweeping motion, which limits compact design and increases manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
Integration of the spindle nut and coupling element as a single, compact plastic unit, allowing for a snap-in or clip connection, reducing friction and weight, and enabling parallel linear movement that translates to rotational movement of the actuating element, thus minimizing the size and weight of the door latch housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the spindle nut and coupling element are designed as separate components, then the assembly allows for easier manufacturing and replacement, but the installation space requirement increases due to the sweeping motion of the coupling element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the spindle nut and coupling element into a single integrated component. The coupling element is formed as one piece with the spindle nut, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and assembly of these two parts. This integration directly reduces the volume required for the moving components while maintaining the functional capability of the sweeping motion.
2Ease of operation
If the coupling element performs sweeping motion to act on the actuating element, then the rotational adjustment function is achieved, but the size of the door latch housing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where the coupling element is integrated within the spindle nut structure. The coupling element's sweeping motion path is contained within the overall footprint of the spindle nut assembly, allowing the rotational adjustment function to be achieved without increasing the external dimensions of the door latch housing.
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 achieves a compact and cost-effective design with reduced friction and weight, ensuring reliable actuating element positioning and minimizing installation space requirements, while allowing for efficient operation and manual adjustment in emergency situations.
Implementation Method 1
a spindle and a spindle nut mounted thereon, with the spindle being coaxially driven by a driven shaft of the motor
Implementation Method 2
The coupling element contains a journal at its end, engaging in a seat of the actuating element in order to rotate said element
Data Source
AI summary
A drive arrangement for motorized adjustment of an actuating element, rotatably mounted inside a motor vehicle door latch housing. The drive arrangement comprises a motor and a spindle drive connected to the motor, the spindle drive containing a spindle and a spindle nut mounted thereon. The spindle is coaxially driven by a driven shaft of the motor. The spindle nut acts on the actuating element in order to rotate it by at least one interposed coupling element. The spindle nut and the coupling element form a single unit.