Motor Vehicle Door Lock with Sensor Feedback Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle door lock systems lack standardization, leading to complex production and assembly due to the need for different designs for various functional positions like 'theft-proof' and 'child-proof', which complicates the management of multiple door locks in a vehicle.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an internal actuating lever chain with a clutch actuated by an electric motor, allowing for uniform door lock design, where external actuation is via an electromotive opening drive activated by remote or sensory interrogation, and internal actuation is mechanical, enabling differentiation of functional positions through sensor feedback to a control unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different door lock designs are used for different functional positions (theft-proof, child-proof), then the functional requirements are met, but the production and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal door lock design that can perform multiple functional positions (unlocked, locked, theft-proof, child-proof) through a single standardized mechanism. The actuating lever chain with clutch mechanism allows one door lock design to fulfill all functional requirements that previously required different designs, thereby reducing production and assembly complexity while maintaining adaptability.
2Device complexity
If a standardized door lock design is used for all positions, then production and assembly are simplified, but the ability to distinguish and control different functional positions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that detect the position of the actuating lever chain and provide feedback to the control unit. This feedback mechanism allows the control unit to distinguish between different functional positions (unlocked, locked, theft-proof, child-proof) even though the physical door lock design is standardized. The sensor signals enable the control unit to understand the current state and make appropriate control decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a dynamic clutch mechanism that can be engaged or disengaged by the electric motor to change the functional behavior of the standardized door lock. By dynamically adjusting the clutch state, the same physical design can adapt to different functional requirements, allowing one design to serve multiple purposes without losing the ability to control and distinguish between functional positions.
3Ease of operation
If multiple control units are used to manage different door locks, then individual control is achieved, but the system complexity and component variety increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single control unit that manages all door locks in the vehicle, replacing the previous approach of using separate control units for each door lock. This centralized control unit communicates with standardized door lock components and sensors, reducing component variety and system complexity while maintaining the ability to individually control each door lock through software-based management rather than hardware duplication.
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 approach allows for uniform construction of motor vehicle door locks while enabling all necessary functional positions, simplifying production and assembly, and allowing the control unit to manage individual door locks differently based on their status, ensuring reliable and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
the respective status (effective/inactive) of which is recorded with the aid of a sensor and transmitted to the control unit
Implementation Method 2
the actuating lever chain or internal actuating lever chain has a clutch that can be acted upon by an electric motor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle, which is equipped with a plurality of motor vehicle door locks (1) and at least one control unit (2). Each motor vehicle door lock (1) has at least one actuating lever chain (12, 13, 14) acting mechanically on a locking mechanism (3, 4). The status of the actuating lever chain (12, 13, 14) (active/inactive) is detected with the aid of a sensor (5) and sent to the control unit (2). According to the invention, the control unit (2) differentiates between individual function positions depending on the door lock-specific status of the actuating lever chain (12, 13, 14).