Vehicle Door Lock Opening With Power-Failure Blocking Lever
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle opening devices fail to ensure safe and complete opening of vehicle parts in the event of a power failure or current drop, particularly when vehicles are equipped without external door handles or mechanical connections.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle lock with a rotary latch, pawl, and electric drive device, equipped with a safety means that holds the vehicle part in an open position during power failure, using a spring-loaded blocking lever that engages with the lock strike to prevent complete opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an electric drive device is used to unlock the motor vehicle lock, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates in the event of power failure
Solution Approach 1:
The safety means is pre-positioned to automatically engage when power fails, before complete loss of control occurs. The blocking lever is designed to spring into the blocking position automatically upon power loss, preventing uncontrolled door opening before the situation can deteriorate further
Solution Approach 2:
The safety means acts as an intermediary mechanism between the electric drive device and the door opening function. It provides a mechanical safety layer that mediates the transition from electrically-controlled opening to a controlled mechanical blocking state, ensuring reliable operation even when electrical systems fail
2Ease of operation
If the vehicle part can be fully opened for easy exit, then the ease of operation is improved, but the safety deteriorates due to risk of accidental complete opening
Solution Approach 1:
The door opening function is segmented into two distinct phases: a first opening phase that allows controlled opening to a predetermined position, and a second phase that would lead to complete opening. The safety means blocks the second phase, ensuring that even if the electric drive fails, the door can only open partially rather than fully, thus segmenting the risk
Solution Approach 2:
The safety means allows partial opening action (first opening phase) to occur for normal operation, but prevents excessive action (complete opening) by mechanically blocking further movement. This enables the door to open sufficiently for normal access while preventing dangerous complete opening in case of failure
3Reliability
If a safety means is added to prevent complete opening, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety means is merged with the existing locking mechanism structure. The blocking lever integrates with the lock housing and utilizes the existing lock strike, combining the safety function with the primary locking system rather than adding a completely separate mechanism. This reduces overall complexity compared to independent safety systems
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking lever serves multiple functions: it acts as a safety block to prevent complete door opening, and it can also serve as a mechanical backup for the electric drive device. The spring mechanism provides both the blocking force and the reset function, making the safety means multi-functional rather than a single-purpose addition
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
Ensures safe and secure holding of vehicle parts in an open position during emergencies, allowing occupants to exit safely while preventing accidental full opening, even without mechanical connections or external handles.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element arranged in the motor vehicle lock which acts on the blocking lever in a spring-loaded manner
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle lock having a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, wherein a rotary movement of the rotary latch can be locked by means of the pawl, an electric drive device with which the pawl can be transferred from a locking position into a release position for the locking mechanism, and an opening device, wherein a vehicle part interacting with the motor vehicle lock can be moved by means of the opening device from a closed position into an open position, and wherein a safety means is provided, wherein the safety means makes it possible to hold the vehicle part in the event of a power failure.