Vehicle Door Lock Actuating Lever Impact Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles, side doors can involuntarily open due to deformation from side impacts, posing safety risks and violating regulatory requirements, as existing exterior opening controls can be triggered by impact-induced compression, leading to unintended door opening.
Innovation Solution
A drive system arrangement featuring a lock actuating lever and a movement transmission rod with specific geometries, ensuring the actuating lever is driven to a position that keeps the door closed during impacts by utilizing a bent transmission rod with a 90-degree end and a U-shaped end, which pivots and moves to maintain the lock in a rest position, preventing door opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional exterior opening control is provided on the door, then the door can be opened by external control, but the door may involuntarily open during side impact due to deformation of the door panel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the angle-shaped transmission rod with pivot point) between the exterior opening control and the lock actuating lever. This intermediary transforms the direct linear connection into an angular connection that filters out unwanted movements from door panel deformation during impact, while still transmitting intentional opening commands. The pivot point acts as a mediator that allows controlled movement transmission while blocking harmful movements.
2Speed
If the transmission rod is made rigid and straight for efficient force transmission, then the opening control is responsive, but impact deformation directly transmits force to open the door
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the rigid straight transmission rod into a dynamic angular structure with a pivot point. This dynamic structure allows the transmission rod to adapt its configuration based on the type of movement applied: it transmits intentional opening commands efficiently while absorbing and redirecting harmful forces from impact deformation. The angular geometry provides dynamic response differentiation between controlled and uncontrolled movements.
3Reliability
If additional components are added to prevent door opening during impact, then door safety during impact is improved, but the drive system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transmission rod into two functional parts: a first portion connected to the exterior opening control and a second portion connected to the lock actuating lever, with a pivot point between them. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function while the pivot point provides the necessary mechanical advantage to prevent impact-induced opening without requiring additional complex components like sensors or actuators.
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 effectively keeps the side door closed during impacts, enhancing safety and compliance with regulatory standards by preventing untimely opening, while being simple, economical, and adaptable to various vehicle designs.
Implementation Method 1
in the event of an impact on a wall of such an opening, in particular in the event of an impact on an exterior panel of such an opening
Implementation Method 2
the transmission rod and/or the lever actuation being arranged so that in the event of an impact on a wall of such an opening, the actuating lever is driven in the first direction
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement (10) for a door or window comprising a lock (11), an actuating lever (12) for the lock (11) pivoting at a base of the actuating lever (12), in a first direction towards a rest position (PR) in which the lock (11) blocks such a door or window, and in a second direction towards an open position (PO) in which the lock (11) allows the release of such a door or window, an opening control for such a door or window, a motion transmission rod (20) comprising a first part (21) connected to the opening control for such a door or window and a second part (22) connected to the actuating lever (12) of the lock (11), the transmission rod (20) and/or the actuating lever (12) being arranged such that in the event of an impact (F) on a wall, the actuating lever (12) is moved in the first sense.