Motor Vehicle Door Lock Drive Unit Manual Reversal Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive units for automotive applications, such as motor vehicle door locks, are mechanically complex and costly due to the need for large and expansive electric motor drives, which are also heavy, especially when they fail and require manual intervention for emergency closure.
Innovation Solution
A drive unit with a manually actuated manipulation element that can be moved from a basic position to an engagement position to reverse the electric motor drive, allowing for manual operation of the drive unit without the need for a large electric motor, using a spring-loaded mechanism and a pinion engaging with a worm wheel, reducing the size and weight of the electric motor drive.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electric motor drive is made large and expansive to ensure sufficient torque for emergency closing, then the reliability is improved, but the weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is segmented into two independent parts: a small electric motor drive for normal operation and a separate manual manipulation element for emergency closing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the electric motor being small and lightweight while the manual mechanism provides the necessary emergency torque.
Solution Approach 2:
A manipulation element with pinion and worm gear acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user's manual input and the drive system. This intermediary provides mechanical advantage through the worm gear's self-locking property, enabling a small electric motor to suffice while manual intervention can still deliver high torque when needed.
2Productivity
If the electric motor drive is made large and expansive to handle all operations including emergencies, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is divided into a standard electric motor drive unit and a separate manual manipulation element. This segmentation allows the electric motor to be small and simple for normal operations, while the manual mechanism handles emergency cases, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The manipulation element serves multiple functions: it can manually actuate the drive in case of electric motor failure, perform emergency closing operations, and potentially assist in positioning. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for oversized motors while maintaining operational efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If the manipulation element is connected to the output element of the electric motor drive, then the ease of operation is improved, but the electric motor drive becomes larger and bulkier
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulation element is designed as a separate, integrated component rather than being connected to the electric motor output. It has its own pinion that engages with the worm gear, allowing it to independently actuate the drive without requiring a large motor.
Solution Approach 2:
The pinion on the manipulation element acts as an intermediary that directly engages the worm gear, bypassing the need for a large motor. This intermediary mechanism provides the necessary mechanical advantage for manual operation while keeping the electric motor compact.
4Reliability
If a spring is added as a mechanical energy storage device to enable manual opening, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The worm gear's self-locking property is utilized to maintain the drive's position without requiring additional spring mechanisms. The geometry of the worm gear naturally prevents reverse motion, providing the necessary holding function through its inherent mechanical design rather than additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the need for separate spring-based energy storage devices by leveraging the self-locking characteristic of the worm gear. This extraction of unnecessary components simplifies the overall mechanism while maintaining the ability to hold position during manual operations.
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
Enables cost-effective, reduced-weight, and simplified manual reversal of the drive unit in case of electric motor failure, ensuring the motor vehicle door lock can be closed and preventing unnecessary strain on the electric motor drive, while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (17) which forces the manipulation element (13, 14) into its home position
Implementation Method 2
The engagement element (14) has a pinion (21) which, in the engagement position of the manipulation element (13, 14), can be engaged with an external toothing of the worm wheel (8)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a drive unit for motor-vehicle applications, in particular an electromotive opening drive unit as a component of a motor vehicle lock, preferably a motor vehicle door lock, comprising a electromotive drive (6, 7, 8) for acting on a control element (4), and comprising a manually actuatable manipulation element (13, 14) which, at least in an engaged position with the electromotive drive (6, 7, 8), is designed for reversing same, characterised in that the manipulation element (13, 14) for reversing the electromotive drive (6, 7, 8) must first be transferred from a base position into the engaged position.