Motor Vehicle Door Latch Quick-Unlock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor-vehicle door latch systems with keyless entry systems experience long response times, leading to inconvenience for users who often operate the door handle before the latch is unlocked, requiring additional confirmation steps.
Innovation Solution
A compact motor-vehicle door latch design incorporating a quick-unlock element that operates a blocking element to rapidly change the linkage's state from uncoupled to coupled, allowing immediate mechanical opening of the latch, independent of the locking lever's position, using a ratchet mechanism actuated by the drive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a keyless entry system is used with a motor drive to unlock the latch, then the door can be opened without a key, but the response time becomes too long (100 msec or more) causing user inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The unlocking function is divided into two independent parts: the motor drive for normal unlocking operations and the quick-unlock element for immediate door opening. This segmentation allows the system to provide both keyless convenience and rapid response by using different mechanisms for different situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-unlock element acts as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the time gap between the user's desire for immediate door opening and the motor drive's slower unlocking process. It provides a mechanical shortcut that operates independently of the motor drive's response time.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the locking lever moves slowly during the unlocking cycle, then the motor drive has time to complete its rotation, but the user cannot open the door immediately even after authorization
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-unlock element is pre-positioned and spring-loaded to act immediately when triggered, bypassing the need to wait for the locking lever to complete its slow movement. This preliminary preparation enables instant door opening regardless of the locking lever's position or speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-unlock mechanism allows the door opening process to skip ahead in time by providing a direct mechanical connection that operates independently of the slow locking lever movement, effectively rushing through the waiting period.
3Ease of operation
If a quick-unlock lever is mounted on the locking lever and both pivot about the same axis, then the quick-unlock function is achieved, but the design becomes uninviting and requires a custom locking lever
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-unlock element is extracted from the locking lever and implemented as a separate, independent component actuated by the drive. This separation allows the locking lever to maintain its simple, standard design while the quick-unlock function is provided by a distinct mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive serves multiple functions: it operates both the locking lever for normal unlocking and actuates the quick-unlock element for immediate door opening. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate actuators and simplifies the overall system design.
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 design significantly reduces the unlocking time and enhances convenience by allowing immediate opening of the door latch, maintaining a compact and functional configuration.
Implementation Method 1
the quick-unlock element can be configured as a spring-loaded snap-action element that is released by the drive and snaps into its actuation position under spring force
Implementation Method 2
using a ratchet mechanism actuated by the drive
Data Source
AI summary
A motor-vehicle door latch has a housing, a latch mechanism in the housing operable to unlock a vehicle door, and an actuating element. A linkage in the housing is engageable between the actuating element and the latch mechanism and shiftable between a coupled position for operation of the latch mechanism by the actuating element and a decoupled position operatively disconnecting the actuating element from the latch mechanism. A blocking element connected to the linkage is operable to shift the linkage between its coupled and decoupled positions. A drive motor operates the blocking element. A quick-unlock element bears via the blocking element on the linkage.