Vehicular Door Lock Blocking Member for Rainwater Ingress Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicular door lock devices are susceptible to rainwater and dust ingress when the locking/unlocking lever is in the locking position, as the lid portion separates from the base member, allowing entry points for external elements.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular door lock device featuring a base portion with a rotating latch, a switching mechanism, an electric mechanism for state switching, and a blocking member within a housing. The blocking member allows tool insertion for switching the mechanism from unlock to lock states and blocks the opening when the tool is not inserted, preventing external elements from entering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lid portion is separated from the base member when the locking/unlocking lever is at the locking position, then the opening portion is kept open to allow operation tool insertion, but rainwater, dust, or other external elements may enter the device
Solution Approach 1:
A blocking member is introduced as an intermediary element between the opening portion and the internal components. This blocking member selectively blocks the opening when no operation tool is present, preventing rainwater and dust ingress, while allowing operation tool insertion when needed. The blocking member acts as a mediator that reconciles the conflicting requirements of accessibility and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking member is designed to dynamically change its position based on the presence of an operation tool. When a tool is inserted, the blocking member moves to allow passage; when the tool is removed, the blocking member returns to block the opening. This dynamic behavior enables the system to adapt its state (open/closed) based on operational needs, resolving the contradiction between constant accessibility and constant protection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the lid portion blocks the opening portion when the locking/unlocking lever is at the unlocking position, then rainwater and dust are prevented from entering, but the opening is not accessible for manual switching operations
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member serves as a mediator that is positioned to block the opening during normal operation (preventing element ingress) but can be moved aside when an operation tool is inserted. This allows the system to maintain protection during normal conditions while enabling accessibility during manual switching operations, resolving the contradiction between protection and operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking member is preliminarily positioned to block the opening portion before any operation tool insertion occurs. This preliminary blocking action prevents rainwater and dust ingress during normal conditions. When manual switching is needed, the operation tool can push the blocking member aside, allowing the pre-positioned blocking function to be temporarily overridden for operational purposes.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a separate blocking mechanism is added to prevent element ingress, then protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member is merged with the existing lid portion or integrated into the housing structure, combining the blocking function with existing components. This integration approach prevents element ingress without significantly increasing device complexity, as the blocking functionality is incorporated into the existing structural elements rather than adding entirely separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking member is designed to perform multiple functions: it blocks the opening to prevent element ingress, allows operation tool passage when needed, and can be integrated with the lid portion structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving effective protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular door lock device includes: a base portion rotatably supporting a latch holding a vehicle door in a closed state by engaging with a striker; a switching mechanism switching between a lock state where releasing of the engagement between the latch and the striker during a door opening operation of a door operation handle provided on the vehicle door is prohibited and an unlock state where releasing of the engagement between the latch and the striker during the door opening operation of the door operation handle is allowed; an electric mechanism capable of electrically switching the switching mechanism between the lock state and the unlock state; a housing accommodating the switching mechanism and the electric mechanism and connected to the base portion; and a blocking member disposed in the housing. An opening through which an operation tool is insertable is provided on the base portion.