Motor Vehicle Door Lock Lever Alignment via Detent Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle door lock mechanisms with quick unlocking functions face alignment issues between levers, leading to malfunctions due to complex kinematics and inefficient coupling, particularly in 'keyless entry' systems.
Innovation Solution
Designing a motor vehicle door lock with a fixed lever equipped with a detent spring and a detent lever that can be aligned in different positions relative to the fixed lever, allowing for a quick release function by pivoting the locking lever from a basic to a deflected position, enabling efficient coupling and unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a complex kinematic coupling mechanism is used between levers to enable quick unlocking, then the unlocking speed is improved, but the alignment precision between levers deteriorates leading to malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
A detent spring is introduced as an intermediary element between the first lever and the second lever. This detent spring provides a mechanical interface that guides and maintains precise alignment between the levers during coupling, eliminating the need for complex kinematic mechanisms while ensuring accurate positioning during quick unlocking operations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and separates the alignment function from the coupling mechanism. By using a dedicated detent spring specifically for alignment and positioning, the complex kinematic coupling is simplified, allowing the levers to be coupled reliably without requiring high manufacturing precision across multiple moving parts
2Device complexity
If a fixed coupling mechanism between levers is used, then the structural simplicity is improved, but the quick release function deteriorates due to inability to transfer actuation effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed. The detent spring allows the levers to couple firmly when needed (maintaining simplicity) while enabling rapid relative movement between levers during quick release operations. This dynamic coupling transfers actuation forces effectively without requiring complex mechanisms
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
Facilitates rapid unlocking by allowing the locking lever to act on the release lever, significantly reducing the time required to transition from a locked to an unlocked state, enhancing operational reliability and simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
a connected detent spring (13) for engaging in at least one detent recess (12b) on the other having second lever (14)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle door lock comprising an actuation/locking lever mechanism (1, 2), with a first lever (1) and a second lever (2), both levers (1, 2) being couplable with each other in at least two different relative positions. At least the one, first lever (1) comprises a detent spring (5) connected thereto for engagement with at least one detent recess (6) on the other, second lever (2).