Motor Vehicle Door Lock Actuating Element Play Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle door locks face challenges in minimizing rattling noises due to manufacturing and installation tolerances, which existing solutions have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
The use of two or more bearing blocks, arranged diametrically opposite or offset along the actuating/locking element, providing dual support and incorporating elastic resilience through spring elements or plastic materials to eliminate play and rattling, allowing smooth pivoting movements between basic and functional positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional single bearing block mounting is used, then device complexity is low, but rattling noises and play occur due to manufacturing and installation tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The single bearing block is segmented into multiple bearing blocks (at least two) that are spaced apart from one another. This segmentation allows each bearing block to independently support the actuating/locking element at different positions, eliminating play and rattling noises while maintaining manageable complexity through modular arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing blocks are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the actuating/locking element, adding a dimensional aspect to the support configuration. This longitudinal spacing creates multiple support points along the length of the element, effectively constraining play and reducing noise without requiring complex multi-axis mounting structures.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple bearing blocks are used to eliminate play, then noise is reduced, but manufacturing and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple bearing blocks are merged into a single integrated component or assembled as a coordinated unit within the door lock mechanism. This merging approach allows the bearing blocks to work together as a unified support system that eliminates play while simplifying manufacturing and installation procedures compared to separate independent mounting solutions.
3Ease of operation
If bearing blocks are designed to be elastically yielding, then pivoting movements are enabled, but structural rigidity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing blocks are designed with controlled elastic properties that allow them to yield slightly during pivoting movements. This parameter change in the bearing block material or structure enables smooth rotational movement of the actuating/locking element while maintaining sufficient structural rigidity to eliminate play and reduce noise during normal operation.
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 effectively reduces noise by ensuring the actuating/locking element is fixed without play, allowing for unhindered movement and maintaining normal functionality without requiring special adjustments, thus enhancing noise behavior and reducing constructive and cost-related efforts.
Implementation Method 1
the two bearing blocks and/or the locking element are designed to be fully or partially elastically yielding. As a result, the respective actuating/locking element can be swiveled without any problems from a basic position, fixed as it were with the aid of the two bearing blocks, into a functional position and back. Both are easily possible due to the elastic resilience of the bearing blocks and/or the locking element itself.
Implementation Method 2
the two bearing blocks and/or the locking element each have at least one spring element in the area of the bearing point. This spring element may be a contact cam. As a rule, this contact cam is guided in a receptacle of the bearing block and/or the locking element and is advantageously supported by a spring.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
AI summary
The vehicle door lock has at least one actuating /locking element (1) which is mounted free of play through two or more spaced bearing blocks which engage at the end and/or centrally on the locking element. The bearing blocks and/or actuating and locking element can each have spring elements in the bearing area (5). The two bearing blocks can form constituent parts of a lock cover and/or lock housing : The bearing blocks and/or actuating and locking element can be made wholly or in part from plastics.