Vehicle Door Lock Ratchet Release With Compact 3D Motor Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door lock devices with electroactuation mechanisms suffer from increased complexity and size due to multiple components, particularly the motor and worm wheel being disposed on the same plane, leading to a bulky structure.
Innovation Solution
A simplified configuration with a motor having a rotary shaft oriented in left-right directions, a pinion gear, and an actuating member with a spiral groove line part, allowing the ratchet to pivotally move from an engagement to a release position through a single rotation, eliminating the need for a return spring and optimizing component layout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a motor and worm wheel are disposed on the same plane in an electroactuation mechanism, then the release function can be achieved, but the device size in planar view increases and structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the worm wheel from the same plane as the motor to a different plane (above or below), utilizing three-dimensional space rather than two-dimensional layout. This dimensional change allows the motor and worm wheel to overlap in projection, significantly reducing the horizontal projection area while maintaining the release function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges the worm wheel to be disposed above or below the motor in the vertical direction, creating a nested spatial relationship. The worm wheel is positioned to overlap with the motor in the planar view, effectively nesting one component within the spatial envelope of another, thereby reducing the overall device footprint.
2Reliability
If a motor and worm wheel are disposed on the same plane in an electroactuation mechanism, then the release function can be achieved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the worm wheel to a different plane from the motor, the patent simplifies the structural arrangement. This spatial separation reduces the complexity of mechanical linkages and component interactions that would be required if both components were constrained to the same plane, while still achieving the desired release function.
3Reliability
If a spindle, spindle nut, return spring, and unlock lever are used in the electroactuation mechanism, then the release function can be achieved, but the number of components increases and device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from the electroactuation mechanism. Specifically, it removes the spindle, spindle nut, return spring, and unlock lever that are present in conventional designs, retaining only the essential motor and worm wheel combination needed to achieve the release function.
Solution Approach 2:
The worm wheel in the patent serves multiple functions: it transmits motion from the motor, provides the release action, and eliminates the need for separate return spring mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count while maintaining reliable operation.
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
The solution reduces the device's size and complexity while ensuring reliable operation with a smaller motor, minimizing contact sounds and preventing rebound, thus enhancing assembly efficiency and reducing horizontal projection area.
Implementation Method 1
a motor having a rotary shaft disposed on the casing such that the rotary shaft is oriented in left-right directions and having a pinion gear fastened to the rotary shaft
Implementation Method 2
an actuating member having a gear part supported in the casing to be capable of pivotally moving such that a rotation axial direction is oriented in left-right directions and engaging with the pinion gear
Implementation Method 3
a spiral groove line part with which an operated part provided at a rear end of the ratchet directly engages, and moving the ratchet from the engagement position to the release position
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle door operating device includes: a casing including a base; a latch supported on the base in a manner of being pivotally movable by a shaft oriented in up-down directions; a ratchet supported on the base in a manner of being pivotally movable by a shaft oriented upward and downward; a motor arranged in the casing such that a rotary shaft is oriented leftward and rightward; and a lead screw supported in the casing in a pivotally movable manner such that a rotation axial direction is oriented in left-right directions, having a gear part engaging with a pinion gear of the motor and a spiral groove line part with which an operated part provided in the ratchet directly engages, and moving the ratchet from the engagement position to the release position by one rotation in one direction in accordance with rotation of the rotary shaft of the motor.