Vehicle Door Locking Mechanism with Self-Latching Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle body shell locking systems using electromagnets have a reduced lifespan due to prolonged solenoid activation and fail to maintain the lock in a closed position effectively, requiring users to manually intervene and wait before the door can be opened.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle body shell with a door locking system featuring a movable locking member and resilient supporting means that uses a single-pulse electromagnetic strike plate to easily open and self-lock the door, with the supporting means maintaining the lock in an unlocked position even when the door is closed, utilizing a bolt and pivoting finger mechanism to counteract spring stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the electromagnet is activated for a prolonged period to allow the user to open the door, then the door can be opened, but the lifespan of the electromagnetic means is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting means (pivoting finger and spring assembly) are pre-configured to automatically engage and hold the locking member in the unlocked position as soon as the electromagnetic means is deactivated. This preliminary mechanical preparation eliminates the need for prolonged electromagnet activation, allowing the door to be opened immediately after a brief pulse while protecting the electromagnetic means from extended use.
2Reliability
If the supporting element is controlled by physical door opening, then the lock can be retained in unlocked position, but the door must be manually opened partially which delays immediate access
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting means functions autonomously through mechanical self-latching. When the locking member is released, the pivoting finger automatically swings into engagement with it under spring tension, mechanically retaining the unlocked position without requiring any manual door opening action. The system serves itself by automatically transitioning to and maintaining the unlocked state.
3Loss of time
If a timer is used to control the electromagnet duration, then the user gets enough time to open the door, but the electromagnet still operates for several seconds reducing its lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the timer-based electrical control system with a mechanical self-latching system. Instead of using electronic timing circuits to control electromagnet duration, the pivoting finger and spring assembly provide automatic mechanical retention of the unlocked position. This substitution reduces electromagnet activation from several seconds to a brief pulse, significantly improving durability while maintaining adequate user response time.
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 extends the lifespan of electromagnetic components, allows for immediate door opening without delay, and ensures secure self-locking during closure, enhancing user convenience and system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic means in order to move the locking member from said locked position P1 to said unlocked position P2
Implementation Method 2
resilient means to stress the locking member from said unlocked position P2 to said locked position P1
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle body shell includes an opening provided with at least one door, and at least one device for locking the door in a closed position. The shell includes: a locking member movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, which interacts with a corresponding locking element; an electromagnetic element for moving the locking member from the locked to the unlocked position; and a resilient element for stressing the locking member (from the unlocked to the locked position. The locking member provides temporary control, and the device for locking the door in a closed position includes a supporting element that is movable at least from a first released position, in which the locking member is in the locked position, to a second stable and engaged position, wherein the supporting element engages with the locking member in the unlocked position so as to counter the stress of the resilient element.