Vehicle Door Lock Retainer Ring for Break-In-Resistant Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle door locking systems are vulnerable to break-ins, suffer from quality defects leading to malfunctions, and are complex to assemble, offering insufficient security and durability.

Innovation Solution

An opening control device with a support and retaining member featuring a ring and slide mechanism that rotates between positions to secure a lock, incorporating a sliding connection and stop means for robust assembly and resistance to break-ins, using a guide rail and slider for easy installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a lock is integrated into the opening mechanism, then the locking system is compact, but the security against break-in attempts is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompactness of locking systemVSAvoidvulnerability to break-in
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The locking system is divided into separate functional components: the opening control device (handle mechanism) and the lock body are positioned at different locations on the door. The handle mechanism is integrated into the door panel while the lock body is mounted separately on the door edge, connected by a rod or cable. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while improving overall security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A rod or cable acts as an intermediary element connecting the opening control device to the lock body. This intermediary transmits the mechanical force from handle operation to the lock mechanism, allowing the lock to be positioned away from the handle assembly while maintaining functional connection. This intermediary connection enhances security by preventing direct manipulation of the lock through the handle mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the lock and opening mechanism are integrated, then the assembly is simple, but quality defects lead to malfunctions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of assemblyVSAvoiddurability against malfunctions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking system is divided into separate functional components: the opening control device (handle mechanism) and the lock body are positioned at different locations on the door. The handle mechanism is integrated into the door panel while the lock body is mounted separately on the door edge, connected by a rod or cable. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while improving overall security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A rod or cable acts as an intermediary element connecting the opening control device to the lock body. This intermediary transmits the mechanical force from handle operation to the lock mechanism, allowing the lock to be positioned away from the handle assembly while maintaining functional connection. This intermediary connection enhances security by preventing direct manipulation of the lock through the handle mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Volume of moving object

If the lock is integrated into the opening control device, then the structure is compact, but the assembly process is complex and incomplete installation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompactness of locking systemVSAvoidease of assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The locking system is divided into separate functional components: the opening control device (handle mechanism) and the lock body are positioned at different locations on the door. The handle mechanism is integrated into the door panel while the lock body is mounted separately on the door edge, connected by a rod or cable. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while improving overall security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lock body is pre-mounted on the door edge with its mounting plate and fastening means before the opening control device is assembled. This preliminary positioning ensures that the lock is securely installed and properly aligned before the handle mechanism is connected, preventing incomplete installation and ensuring that all security features are properly configured.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3967838B1Device for controlling opening for a door of a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2026.04.01 RENAULT SA
  • EP3967838B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3967838B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Opening control device (10) for a door (2) of a motor vehicle (1) comprising a support (11) and a retaining member (20) for a lock (6), the retaining member comprising a ring (30) and a slide (40), the support (11) being provided with a first opening (O1) arranged around a main axis (X1) intended to house a lock (6), the ring (30) of the retaining member (20) being movable in rotation relative to the support (11) about said main axis (X1) between a first position in which a lock (6) is free to be inserted through the first opening (O1) and a second position in which a lock (6) previously inserted through the first opening (O1) is locked in position, the slide (40) being linked to the ring (30) by means of a sliding connection.