Motor Vehicle Door Lock Deflecting Flexible Drive Means
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle door locks with drive units have complex structures and high costs, and they often produce noise due to the use of complicated mechanisms and winding systems.
Innovation Solution
A door lock system with a drive unit comprising a drive motor and a flexible, length-constant drive means that deflects from its rest position by a specific angle to achieve the desired functional position of the door lock element, using an intermediate element like a ram to transmit the motor's force, thereby eliminating the need for winding drums and reducing noise and installation space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional drive unit with winding drums and complex mechanisms is used, then the door lock element can be actuated, but the structure becomes complicated and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex winding drum mechanism from the drive unit. Instead of using a winding drum to spool the flexible drive means, the patent uses a direct linear actuator that pushes the flexible drive means along a guide, thereby removing the unnecessary intermediate components and simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a guide element as an intermediary component that directs the flexible drive means from the linear actuator to the door lock element. This simple guide structure replaces the complex winding mechanism while maintaining the necessary functional connection, thus reducing overall device complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional winding systems are used in the drive unit, then the door lock element can be actuated, but noise is generated during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical winding system with a linear actuation system. The linear actuator directly pushes the flexible drive means without the need for rotational winding mechanisms, thereby eliminating the noise generated by gears, motors, and winding drums while maintaining the actuation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide element serves as a noise-reducing intermediary by providing a smooth, controlled path for the flexible drive means. This eliminates the noisy engagement and disengagement that occurs in conventional winding systems, as the flexible drive means simply slides along the guide without mechanical interference.
3Area of stationary object
If winding drums and complex mechanisms are used, then the door lock element can be actuated, but installation space is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the winding drum and associated complex mechanisms from the drive unit, retaining only the essential linear actuator and guide elements. This extraction of unnecessary components significantly reduces the installation space required for the door lock system.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a rotational winding mechanism that requires radial space, the invention inverts the approach by using a linear actuation system that operates in a straight line. This inversion of the mechanical principle allows for more compact integration into the door lock housing, reducing overall installation space.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a door lock, in particular a motor vehicle door lock. Said door lock is fitted with a drive unit (4, 5, 6) for a door lock element (3). Said drive unit (4, 5, 6) comprises at least one drive motor (4) and flexible drive means (6) that have a predefined length upon which said drive motor can act. According to the invention, the drive motor (4) deflects the drive means (6), the length of which remains predominantly constant, from their rest position into a functional position. As a result, the door lock element (3) that is connected to the drive means (6) is transferred into its desired functional position.