Motor Vehicle Door Lock Clutch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle door locks with an anti-theft device and 'override' function lack mechanical feedback or linkage, relying on sensors to ensure the anti-theft device is in the 'off' position for the override function to work, which can be unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle door lock design incorporating a clutch element controlled by the anti-theft device to mechanically couple or decouple the actuating lever and locking element, ensuring the override function operates only when the anti-theft device is in the 'off' position, providing a mechanical check and maintaining functionality even if sensors fail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are used to detect the anti-theft device position, then the system can determine when override function is available, but the reliability decreases because sensor reporting may be unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the sensor-based detection system with a direct mechanical linkage system. The actuating lever is mechanically coupled to the locking element through a series of levers and linkages that physically connect the override mechanism to the locking element. This mechanical substitution eliminates reliance on sensor reporting, ensuring that the override function can be reliably executed when the anti-theft device is in the off position, regardless of sensor failures or inaccuracies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate mechanical components (actuating lever, transmission lever, locking lever) that serve as mediators between the override input and the locking element. These intermediaries provide a reliable mechanical pathway that ensures the override command is transmitted faithfully from the actuating lever to the locking element, bypassing the unreliable sensor-based detection system.
2Reliability
If mechanical linkage is implemented for override function, then reliability improves through mechanical feedback, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the mechanical linkage components to serve multiple functions. The actuating lever not only detects the override command but also transmits it to the locking element. The transmission lever serves both to transfer motion and to provide mechanical feedback about the locking element's position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while achieving reliable mechanical feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the detection and execution functions into a unified mechanical linkage system. Rather than having separate sensors for detection and separate actuators for execution, the mechanical linkage combines these functions into an integrated system where the same components that transmit the override command also provide feedback about system state, reducing the total number of components needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If clutch element is used to couple actuating lever to locking element, then override function is controlled by anti-theft device position, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic clutch mechanism that automatically engages or disengages based on the position of the anti-theft device. The clutch element is positioned such that it naturally engages when the anti-theft device is in the off position and disengages when the anti-theft device is in the on position, without requiring additional control mechanisms. This dynamic behavior provides conditional coupling capability while minimizing added complexity through the use of spring-loaded or gravity-assisted engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch mechanism is designed to be self-regulating, using the position of the anti-theft device itself to control the engagement state. The mechanical arrangement ensures that when the anti-theft device is moved to the on position, it automatically disengages the clutch, preventing override operation. When moved to the off position, the clutch automatically engages, enabling override. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional control systems or sensors to manage the clutch state.
Data Source
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AI summary
The vehicle door lock comprises a safety catch (1, 2) with at least one operating lever (7), an adjustable element (10) and a burglary-proof unit (12, 13). The operating lever regulates the position of the adjustable element in its admission position, whilst there is a controlled coupling element (15) emanating from he burglary-proof unit which selectively couples the operating lever with the adjustable lever. The operating lever and the adjustable lever may be coupled together to put the burglary-proof unit in a position of "burglary-proof off" and separated from one another to put the burglary-proof unit in a position of "burglary-proof on".