Self-contained vehicle door lock indicator assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door lock/unlock indicators require complex assembly and installation, and they often fail to provide a clear, self-contained indication of the door's locked or unlocked state during manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained door lock/unlock indicator assembly with an operable housing, internal locking pin, and a lock rod that moves the pin between upward and downward positions to visually indicate the door's locked or unlocked state, which can be pre-manufactured and installed within the vehicle door during production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate components are used for door lock indicator, then installation flexibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity and quality control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (housing, locking pin, biasing mechanism, indicator elements) into a single pre-assembled lock indicator assembly. This integrated unit is then installed as one component in the door panel, reducing the number of separate parts while maintaining installation flexibility through the modular assembly design.
2Ease of repair
If separate components are used for door lock indicator, then ease of repair is improved, but manufacturing precision and quality control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The lock indicator assembly is pre-assembled and pre-tested as a complete unit before installation in the door panel. This preliminary assembly ensures that all components are properly positioned and functioning together, improving manufacturing precision and quality control while still allowing for easy replacement of the entire assembly if needed.
3Productivity
If self-contained assembly is used, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the door locking system into distinct functional modules: the lock indicator assembly (with housing, pin, and biasing mechanism) and the door panel with receptacle. This segmentation allows the indicator assembly to be manufactured independently as a self-contained unit, improving manufacturing efficiency through specialized production while the modular design manages the complexity.
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
This solution simplifies the manufacturing process by allowing for a single, pre-assembled unit to be integrated into the vehicle door, providing a clear and reliable visual indication of the door's locking status without the need for complex assembly or additional components.
Implementation Method 1
an internal locking pin engaged with the operable housing and biased to a downward position within the operable housing
Implementation Method 2
a lock rod operable to engage an underside of the operable housing and move the locking pin to an upward position
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle door includes a lock indicator assembly having an operable housing and an internal locking pin engaged with the operable housing and biased to a downward position within the operable housing, an interior door panel having a receptacle, wherein the operable housing is received within the receptacle and a lock rod operable to engage an underside of the operable housing and move the locking pin to an upward position.