Vehicle Door Lock Dry-Chamber Manual Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle locking systems face challenges in ensuring the functionality of electromechanical drive units in dry chambers, particularly under extreme environmental conditions or damage, due to exposure to moisture and dirt, which can hinder the unblocking of locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a mechanical connection, such as a Bowden cable, that protrudes into the dry chamber of the lock housing, allowing manual actuation of locking mechanisms and components, ensuring functionality even when electrical systems fail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the drive unit is arranged in the dry chamber to protect it from environmental influences, then the reliability of the drive unit is improved, but the accessibility for manual actuation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into two functional zones: the dry chamber containing the protected drive unit and the wet chamber containing the locking mechanism. A sealed connection allows torque transmission between chambers, enabling the drive unit to remain protected while still actuating the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealed connection (intermediary structure) is introduced between the dry chamber and wet chamber. This intermediary allows mechanical torque to be transmitted from the drive unit in the dry chamber to the locking mechanism in the wet chamber while maintaining the seal and protecting the drive unit from environmental influences.
2Ease of operation
If the locking mechanism is exposed to the environment for direct actuation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability under environmental influences is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented into environmental-exposed components (locking mechanism in wet chamber) and protected components (drive unit in dry chamber). The sealed connection transmits actuation forces while preventing environmental contamination of sensitive components.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed connection acts as an intermediary that transmits mechanical forces from the externally accessible locking mechanism to the protected drive unit, allowing operation while isolating the drive unit from environmental damage.
3Reliability
If a sealed connection is introduced to transmit torque from dry chamber to wet chamber, then the protection of the drive unit is improved, but the device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure combines multiple functions: it forms both the dry and wet chambers, provides the sealed connection for torque transmission, and serves as the mounting structure for the locking mechanism and drive unit. This integration reduces overall complexity despite the sealing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: structural containment, environmental sealing, torque transmission pathway, and component mounting. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, offsetting the complexity introduced by the sealed connection.
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle lock, in particular a motor vehicle side door lock, comprising a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, wherein the rotary latch can be blocked in at least one catch position by means of the pawl, an electrical drive unit for unblocking the locking mechanism, a lock housing with a wet chamber and a dry chamber, wherein the locking mechanism is arranged in the wet chamber and the drive unit is arranged in the dry chamber, and wherein at least one mechanical connection is arranged on the lock housing and protrudes into the dry chamber such that a mechanism arranged in the dry chamber can be actuated.