Vehicle Door Locking System with Hinge-Routed Bowden Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking systems for commercial vehicle cargo spaces are prone to damage and operational difficulties due to the need for cables to cross confined spaces, limiting secure and reliable multi-point locking of large doors or windows.
Innovation Solution
A multiple locking system comprising a primary and secondary locking device with operation devices arranged in series, eliminating the need for cables to cross between the carriage work and door/window, using Bowden cables and pulleys to enhance displacement and reduce space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cables are used to connect the locking mechanism from the casing to the door leaf, then the locking function can be achieved, but the cable is prone to damage during loading/unloading operations and door closing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cable from the confined space between the casing and door leaf by routing it through the hinge connection. The cable is now positioned outside the problematic zone where it would otherwise be damaged during loading/unloading operations, eliminating the harmful factor while preserving the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge acts as an intermediary element that guides and protects the cable. By using the hinge as a mediator to route the cable from the locking mechanism to the external environment, the system avoids direct exposure of the cable to damage-prone areas while maintaining operational connectivity.
2Reliability
If the locking system is designed for multiple locking points on large door leaves, then security is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase in the confined cargo area
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge serves multiple functions: it provides the mechanical connection for door movement, acts as a cable guide, and functions as part of the locking mechanism structure. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by eliminating separate components while maintaining multiple locking points for enhanced security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the cable routing function with the hinge structure. Instead of having separate cable guides and hinge mechanisms, the design combines these elements so the hinge itself serves as the cable pathway, reducing device complexity while enabling multiple locking points.
3Ease of manufacture
If cables are routed through confined spaces in the cargo area, then the locking mechanism can be integrated, but the available space is limited and operational difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of routing the cable from the casing inward through confined spaces to the door leaf, the patent inverts the routing direction. The cable is routed from the locking mechanism outward through the hinge to the external environment, avoiding the confined interior spaces and greatly easing installation and operation.
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
Provides a secure, reliable, and damage-resistant multi-point locking system for commercial vehicle doors and windows, ensuring secure engagement without cable damage and optimizing space usage.
Implementation Method 1
using Bowden cables and pulleys to enhance displacement and reduce space requirements
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A
AI summary
Vehicle comprising a system for locking the door leaf or window leaf, wherein the system comprises: - a primary locking device 23 and a secondary locking device 40, wherein the primary locking device 23 comprises a first locking member 31 and a second locking member 33 cooperating therewith, and wherein the secondary locking device 40 comprises a third locking member 41 and a fourth locking member 44 cooperating therewith, wherein the second locking member 33, the third locking member 41 and the secondary operation device 35,37,38,36,43 are arranged on the door leaf or window leaf and the first locking member 31 is placed such that in its displacement towards the locking position it engages onto the secondary operation device in order to activate the latter.