Motor Vehicle Door Lock Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle door locks are structurally complex and prone to unintentional opening due to vibrations during crashes, which compromises operational reliability and safety.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an elastic damping element connected to the actuation lever mechanism that interacts with the inertia element only during crashes, damping vibrations and preventing unintended movement of the locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the actuation lever mechanism is directly coupled to the locking mechanism, then the door lock operates reliably during normal use, but the locking mechanism may fail or open unintentionally during crashes due to high accelerations and vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two functional segments: the actuation lever mechanism and the locking mechanism, connected through a coupling lever that can engage or disengage. During normal operation, the coupling lever transmits motion from the actuation lever to the locking mechanism. During a crash, the inertia element disengages the coupling lever, isolating the locking mechanism from harmful vibrations and accelerations while maintaining its locked state.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling lever acts as an intermediary between the actuation lever mechanism and the locking mechanism. It selectively transmits or blocks motion based on the engagement state with the inertia element. This intermediary component allows the system to maintain reliable operation during normal use while protecting the locking mechanism during crashes by controlling the transmission of forces and motions.
2Reliability
If an inertia element is added to block the actuation lever mechanism during crashes, then unintentional opening is prevented, but the structural complexity of the door lock increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inertia element is merged with the existing coupling lever mechanism. The inertia element utilizes the coupling lever's movement and engagement geometry to achieve its blocking function. By integrating the inertia element into the existing coupling structure rather than adding a completely separate blocking mechanism, the patent reduces overall structural complexity while maintaining crash protection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling lever serves multiple functions: it transmits motion during normal operation, engages with the inertia element during crashes to block the actuation lever mechanism, and provides the structural framework for the inertia element's operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving crash protection.
3Ease of operation
If the inertia element is mechanically coupled to the actuation lever mechanism, then it follows the mechanism's movement during normal operation, but vibrations during crashes may still transfer to the inertia element causing uncontrolled movements
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling between the inertia element and the coupling lever is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid. During normal operation, the coupling allows smooth movement following. During a crash, the high accelerations cause the inertia element to disengage from the coupling lever, dynamically changing the system's behavior from coupled to decoupled state, thereby protecting against vibration-induced uncontrolled movements.
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
Enhances operational reliability by preventing unintentional openings and increasing safety through extended blockade of the actuation lever mechanism, ensuring the locking mechanism remains secure during crashes and normal operations.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic damping element connected to the actuation lever mechanism, which abuts the inertia element, at least in the event of a crash
Implementation Method 2
an elastic damping element connected to the actuation lever mechanism
Implementation Method 3
an inertia element, whereby the inertia element, during normal operation, follows a movement of the actuation lever mechanism and at high accelerations, for example, in the event of a crash, the inertia element blocks the actuation lever mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle door lock, comprising a locking mechanism, which essentially consists of a rotary latch and a pawl, and further comprising an actuation lever mechanism acting on the locking mechanism, and an inertia element. Said inertia element, during normal operation, follows a movement of the actuation lever mechanism. At high accelerations, for example in the event of a crash, the inertia element blocks the actuation lever mechanism acting on the locking mechanism. According to the invention, an elastic damping element is connected to the actuation lever mechanism. Said damping element abuts the inertia element at least in the event of a crash for the purpose of damping vibrations.