Motor Vehicle Door Lock Segmented Control Contour

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle door locks lack robust and reliable engagement of lock functions, particularly in ensuring secure operation under various conditions and precise control of locking mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

Decoupling the control contour from the locking element and using a separate locking lever with a control contour that interacts with a push rod, allowing defined switching paths and moments, enabling reliable and efficient locking and unlocking operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the control contour is integrated into the locking element, then the structure is simpler, but the engagement of lock functions becomes less reliable and precise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of lock function engagementVSAvoidstructural complexity of locking mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is segmented into separate functional components: the locking element (with locking bolt) and the control element (with control contour) are decoupled. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component's function, improving reliability by ensuring that the control contour can be precisely engineered for reliable engagement without compromising the structural simplicity of individual parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If a single drive is used for multiple lock functions, then the device is more compact and efficient, but the control precision for each function decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precision of locking mechanismVSAvoidcomplexity of control system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control element acts as an intermediary between the single electric drive and the locking element. The control contour on the control element translates the drive's motion into precise control of the locking mechanism's state transitions. This intermediary mechanism enables a single drive to achieve precise control of multiple lock functions by sequentially engaging different control contours for different functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the locking mechanism is designed for robust operation under extreme conditions, then the reliability improves, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverobustness under extreme conditionsVSAvoidease of locking and unlocking operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control element is designed to be movable relative to the locking element, with the control contour providing dynamic engagement surfaces. This dynamic design allows the mechanism to maintain robustness under extreme conditions while enabling easy operation through simple actuation of the control element, which can be moved to engage or disengage the locking function as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 reliable and secure engagement of lock functions, allowing for precise control and operation under extreme conditions, with the ability to perform multiple lock functions with a single drive, including central locking, electric opening, anti-theft, and child safety features.

Implementation Method 1

a spring, in particular a center-zero spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

an electric drive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3058155B1Locking unit for a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2020.12.02 KIEKERT AG
  • EP3058155B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3058155B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3058155B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a motor vehicle door lock, comprising a locking mechanism, an electric drive, a locking unit and a coupling lever (4, 10), said coupling lever acting on the locking unit. The coupling lever (4, 10) can be actuated by the electric drive (6) counter to the force of the spring (5). The locking unit has a control contour, the coupling lever (4, 10) cooperating with said control contour.