Motor Vehicle Door Lock With Temporary Security Unit Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle locks, particularly door locks, require a complex construction with multiple components and high constructional effort to implement multiple functions using an electromotive drive, leading to increased costs and potential malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle lock design that utilizes a single electromotive drive to electrically open the locking mechanism and temporarily change the security unit's position, allowing for a compact and functional structure by minimizing the need for additional mechanical operating lever chains and ensuring smooth operation without manual interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple functions are implemented using a single electromotive drive, then device complexity and component quantity are reduced, but the reliability and ease of operation deteriorate due to increased functional integration
Solution Approach 1:
The electromotive drive is segmented into multiple independent drive elements, each responsible for a specific function (locking mechanism, security unit, control element). This segmentation allows the system to maintain functional integration while reducing the risk of total system failure, as each drive element operates independently.
Solution Approach 2:
A coupling element is introduced as an intermediary mechanism that selectively connects drive elements to their respective control elements based on operational requirements. This mediator ensures that only the necessary drive elements are activated for each specific operation, preventing interference between functions and maintaining reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single electromotive drive is used for multiple functions, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to increased design complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is divided into modular drive elements that can be manufactured and tested independently before assembly. This modular segmentation reduces design complexity by allowing each element to be optimized separately while maintaining overall cost efficiency through shared components and standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromotive drive is designed with universal components that can serve multiple functions. The coupling element, for example, is a universal mechanism that enables selective engagement of different drive elements with different control elements, reducing the need for function-specific components and simplifying manufacturing.
3Ease of operation
If the security unit is temporarily changed during electrical opening, then operational smoothness is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The control element is designed to preliminarily change the security unit's position before the main locking mechanism operation. This preliminary action ensures that the security unit is in the correct state for smooth operation, preventing conflicts or interference during the electrical opening process.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element ensures continuous and coordinated action between the drive elements and control elements throughout the operation. By maintaining continuous engagement and control, the system achieves operational smoothness without requiring complex intermittent control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock, in particular a motor vehicle door lock, comprising a locking mechanism (1, 2) substantially including a rotary latch (1) and a pawl (2), and comprising an electromotive drive (4, 5, 6, 7, 8) which acts on both a release lever (3) for electrically opening the locking mechanism (1, 2) and substantially simultaneously on a security element (14, 15, 16) and also cooperates with a control element (9, 10, 11, 12, 13), wherein, when electrically opening the locking mechanism (1, 2) in the opening direction (EÖ) of the electromotive drive (4, 5, 6, 7, 8), the control element (9, 10, 11, 12, 13) transfers the security unit (14, 15, 16) at least temporarily into a control position opposite its starting position and it transfers same preferably back into its starting position when reversing said electromotive drive.