Motor Vehicle Door Lock Pre-Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicle door locks often fail to open during emergencies, such as accidents, due to being stuck in locked or unlocked positions, especially when doors are frozen or warped, and existing emergency handles are ineffective in these scenarios.
Innovation Solution
The motor vehicle door lock system includes a mechanism where the locking mechanism is moved to a pre-locking position by a motor before activating the emergency handle, allowing easier opening by avoiding the main locking position and utilizing a mechanical redundancy system with an emergency actuation handle that can transmit large forces, potentially linked to sensor signals for timely activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the emergency actuation handle is designed to apply great force to open the door, then the door can be opened in frozen or warped conditions, but the locking mechanism remains in the main locking position which blocks effective operation
Solution Approach 1:
The motor performs a preliminary action by moving the locking mechanism from the main locking position to the pre-locking position before the emergency actuation handle is operated. This preliminary movement creates an intermediate state where the door can be opened more easily by the emergency handle without having to overcome the full locking force, thus resolving the contradiction between applying great force and achieving ease of operation
2Ease of operation
If the locking mechanism is moved to pre-locking position by motor before emergency handle activation, then the door opens more easily, but the system complexity increases due to additional motor control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the pre-locking position as an intermediate state) between the main locking position and the fully open position. This intermediary state acts as a mediator that simplifies the final opening action while the motor control system manages the transition. The intermediary pre-locking position reduces the mechanical complexity of the emergency opening action itself
3Reliability
If the emergency actuation handle is made mechanically independent from electrical components, then reliability is improved for accident scenarios, but the device complexity increases due to dual systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two independent functional paths: an electrical control path (motor-driven pre-locking) and a mechanical emergency path (emergency actuation handle). This segmentation allows the mechanical emergency system to operate independently of electrical components, ensuring reliability in accident scenarios where electrical systems may fail. The segmentation creates redundancy without requiring a completely separate mechanical system, as the emergency handle integrates with the existing locking mechanism structure
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 enables the door to be opened more easily in emergency situations by bypassing the main locking position and providing a mechanical redundancy for the electrical system, allowing the door to be opened with minimal effort, even when the door is frozen or warped.
Implementation Method 1
the locking mechanism is initially moved by a motor from its main locking position to its pre-locking position
Implementation Method 2
the rotary latch is transferred from the main latching position (closed or locked motor vehicle door) to a pre-latching position (due to the elastic effect of door seals, the door is slightly open but still blocked)
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle door lock having a locking mechanism essentially consisting of a rotary latch and a pawl, and having an emergency opening handle for emergency actuation. The locking mechanism is first moved into its pre-locked position by means of a motor before the emergency actuation handle can be activated.