Vehicle Door Lock Housing Support for Crash Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for preventing automatic opening of vehicle doors during a side crash are unreliable due to deformation of door elements, leading to undefined displacement of force introduction elements, which can result in unintended door opening and occupant ejection.
Innovation Solution
A device with a mounting clip and door opening mechanism featuring a balancing mass and force introduction and locking element, where the force introduction and locking element is supported against a door lock housing to ensure defined contact and operation, preventing unintended movement of the balancing mass and thus maintaining door closure during a crash.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the force introduction element is supported on door elements (door lining, window, bodywork edge), then the device structure is simpler, but the reliability is reduced due to deformation and undefined displacement during side crash
Solution Approach 1:
The force introduction element is segmented into multiple support points: one support point on the door lock housing and additional support points on other door elements. This segmentation allows the element to maintain stability even if individual support points deform during a crash, as the door lock housing provides a reliable reference frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The door lock housing serves as an intermediary reference frame between the force introduction element and the deforming door structure. By supporting the force introduction element on the door lock housing, the system mediates the deformation forces and maintains defined contact geometry, preventing undefined displacement while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
2Reliability
If plate doublers, crash rods or padding are used to support the door outer panel, then the reliability is improved, but the cost, material expenditure and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the critical support function from the deforming door outer panel and relocates it to the door lock housing, which remains stable during deformation. This eliminates the need for additional protective structures like plate doublers, crash rods, or padding, thereby reducing weight, material expenditure, and cost while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The door lock housing, which is already an integral part of the door assembly, is utilized to provide the support function. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate protective components, reducing overall door weight and material usage while ensuring reliable support during a crash.
3Device complexity
If the force introduction element is supported on door elements that may deform, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision is compromised due to undefined displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The force introduction element is pre-positioned and supported on the door lock housing, which maintains its position during deformation. This preliminary positioning ensures that the contact geometry between the force introduction element and the balancing mass remains defined and predictable, even when other door elements deform during a crash.
Solution Approach 2:
By supporting the force introduction element on the stable door lock housing beforehand, the system cushions against the effects of deformation in other door elements. This pre-established support relationship prevents undefined displacement and maintains manufacturing precision without requiring complex mounting structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for mechanically preventing the automatic opening of a vehicle door in the event of an object acting thereon includes a mounting clip fixed to an outer door part for an outer door handle. The mounting clip has a door opening mechanism having a balancing mass which is adjustably supported on the mounting clip and operatively connected to the outer door handle and can also be moved from a first operating position into a second operating position and back. A force introduction and locking element is associated with the balancing mass. A movement of the balancing mass from the first operating position into the second operating position can be prevented, limited, and/or reversed by way of the element. When viewed in the direction of movement of the bar the force introduction and locking element is advantageously supported against a door lock housing that is fastened to the vehicle door.