Vehicle Door Lock Blocking Mechanism for Impact-Induced Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door opening mechanisms are prone to untimely and inappropriate opening during impacts, due to deformation and displacement of actuating means and transmission systems, which can lead to safety hazards and regulatory non-compliance.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle opening mechanism featuring an elongated locking means with a partly flat base and a body extending towards the inner panel, comprising a first and second portion with a cutout between the base and body, allowing the body to float and extend into the lever's trajectory before impact, thereby blocking the lock's release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional blocking means is used that is fixed to the outer panel, then the blocking means can block the lever in some impact scenarios, but the blocking means is displaced by impacts at distances from the lock, rendering it ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking means is designed with a dynamic structure where the body can move relative to the base through a folding zone. This allows the blocking means to adapt its position based on impact location, maintaining blocking effectiveness across different impact zones. The body pivots about a folding zone to follow outer panel deformation while keeping the cutout in the lever's trajectory path.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking means is divided into a base fixed to the outer panel and a body that can move relative to the base. This segmentation allows different parts to perform different functions: the base provides anchoring while the body provides adaptive blocking. The cutout in the body creates the blocking feature that interacts with the lever trajectory.
2Device complexity
If the blocking means is fixed rigidly to the outer panel, then the structure is simple, but the blocking means cannot adapt to deformation of the outer panel during impact
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking means incorporates a folding zone that enables relative movement between the base and body during outer panel deformation. This dynamic capability allows the blocking means to maintain its blocking function despite panel deformation, following the deformation while keeping the cutout in the lever's trajectory.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking means has different rigidity characteristics in different zones: the base is rigidly connected to the outer panel for stable mounting, while the body is connected through a folding zone that allows controlled movement. This local differentiation of rigidity enables both stable attachment and adaptive blocking.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the blocking means follows the deformation of the outer panel, then it adapts to impact, but it can be displaced outside the zone of movement of the lever, becoming ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking means uses a dynamic folding mechanism that allows controlled movement. The body pivots about the folding zone to follow outer panel deformation within a limited range, ensuring the cutout remains in the lever's trajectory path while adapting to impact-induced deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking means is pre-positioned with the cutout aligned with the lever's trajectory path. During impact, the folding zone enables the body to move in a controlled manner that maintains this alignment, ensuring the blocking function is activated at the appropriate moment.
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
The solution effectively prevents untimely opening of the vehicle door during impacts by ensuring the lock remains engaged, enhancing occupant safety and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Implementation Method 1
at least one part of the body included in the second portion is floating relative to a part of the base of the second portion and is able to extend in a trajectory of the lever between the rest position and the release position before the latter reaches the release position in the event of an impact deforming the outer panel
Data Source
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AI summary
Opening (10) for a motor vehicle comprising an exterior panel (12), an interior panel (13), an exterior opening control (2) and a lock (3) comprising a movable lever (31), the opening (10) further comprising a means (5) for blocking the movement of the lever (31).