Motor Vehicle Door Lock Intermediate Lever Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motor vehicle door locks with 'Passive Entry' functionality are complex and costly due to the need for multiple sensors and intricate printed conductor arrangements, which increase manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle door lock design utilizing a single intermediate lever that mechanically implements the operator opening request, where the safety device's position directly affects the operation of the sensor, eliminating the need for additional sensors and simplifying the printed conductor arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors and intricate printed conductor arrangements are used to achieve 'Passive Entry' functionality, then the door lock can detect operator opening requests and enable electric opening, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple sensors and printed conductors into a single intermediate lever mechanism. The intermediate lever integrates the sensor function by mechanically detecting the operator's opening request through its position changes, eliminating the need for separate sensors and complex printed conductor arrangements while maintaining Passive Entry capability
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate lever serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a mechanical sensor to detect opening requests, transmits mechanical motion, and interfaces with both the locking mechanism and opening drive. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count and simplifies the door lock structure while preserving all necessary functionalities
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are used to check safety devices and handles, then the door lock can accurately detect operator opening requests, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate lever performs self-detection by mechanically responding to the operator's opening request through its own position changes. The lever's movement directly indicates the opening request state without requiring external sensors, thereby maintaining detection accuracy while eliminating the need for additional sensing components that would increase manufacturing cost
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complex printed conductor arrangement is used to connect sensors to control units, then all sensor signals can be transmitted, but the production and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical signal transmission system (sensors connected via printed conductors to control units) with a direct mechanical transmission system. The intermediate lever mechanically transmits the opening request information directly to the opening drive through its position changes and mechanical coupling, eliminating the need for complex printed conductor arrangements and associated production and installation complexities
Data Source
AI summary
The subject matter of the present invention is a motor-vehicle door lock which is equipped with a locking mechanism, further with an opening drive (3, 4) which acts on the locking mechanism, and also with an operating lever mechanism (6, 7). At least one sensor (8) for checking an operator opening request is further provided. Finally, a safety device (9, 10, 11), which prevents the locking mechanism (3, 4) from opening at least in its “safe” position, is provided. The invention makes provision for an intermediate lever (7) of the operating lever mechanism (6, 7), which intermediate lever mechanically converts the operator opening request, to selectively act on or not act on the sensor (8) which actuates the opening drive (3, 4), depending on the position of the safety device (9, 10, 11).