Door Lock Key Lever Positioning Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing door lock apparatus for vehicles faces difficulties in assembling the key lever and key cylinder due to variable positioning, leading to misalignment of convex and concave portions, which complicates the assembly process and can result in rattling sounds.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a positioning mechanism within the door lock apparatus that positions the key-operation-force transfer mechanism in its neutral state, allowing for easier assembly of the key cylinder and reducing rattling by using a resiliently detachable engaging portion on the key link, which is guided by a housing with a guide groove and abutment wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the key sub-lever is connected to the sector gear with play, then the key sub-lever is not operated when in neutral position, but the key lever becomes variable in position making assembly difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning means is provided in advance within the housing to establish a predetermined neutral position for the key lever before assembly. This preliminary positioning action ensures that when the key cylinder and key lever are assembled, they are automatically aligned in the correct neutral position, eliminating the need for difficult manual alignment of convex and concave portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning means acts as an intermediary element between the key lever and the housing. It provides a mediating function by establishing a reference neutral position that the key lever can follow, thereby resolving the position variability issue without requiring direct precise matching between the key lever and key cylinder components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the key lever position is variable, then the neutral position cannot be maintained, but maintaining a fixed neutral position requires complex positioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning means is designed to be self-aligning and self-maintaining. Once the key lever is assembled with the key cylinder, the positioning means automatically maintains the neutral position without requiring additional active control mechanisms or complex adjustment systems. The design allows the components to self-position through their inherent geometric relationships.
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
Facilitates the assembly of the key-operation-force transfer mechanism and key cylinder, suppresses rattling sounds, and reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for separate parts, while ensuring reliable operation of the key-operation detection switch.
Implementation Method 1
an engaging portion that is provided on the key link and that is resiliently detachably engaged with the positioning portion
Data Source
AI summary
A door lock apparatus includes: a latch mechanism; a lock mechanism having a link that can move the latch mechanism to an unlock position and a lock position, and a lock plate that moves the link; a key-operation-force transfer mechanism that transfers an operation force of a key cylinder to the lock plate of the lock mechanism; and a housing in which at least the lock mechanism and the key-operation-force transfer mechanism are accommodated. The door lock apparatus further includes a positioning portion and an engaging portion that position the key-operation-force transfer mechanism in a neutral state corresponding to a neutral position of the key cylinder with respect to the housing.