Motor Vehicle Door Lock With Two-Stroke Crash Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle locks, particularly door locks, may unintentionally open after a crash due to unintentional actuation of the actuating lever, compromising occupant safety and the effectiveness of safety systems like side impact protection or side airbags.
Innovation Solution
A 2-stroke actuation mechanism for the actuating lever is implemented, where the first stroke operates a spring on the mass inertia lever to disengage the coupling element, and the second stroke allows the release lever to open the locking mechanism, ensuring the coupling element remains engaged after a crash.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the coupling element is disengaged after a crash to prevent unintentional opening, then safety is improved, but the locking mechanism cannot be opened intentionally
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element's engagement state is made dynamic rather than static. It automatically transitions from engaged to disengaged during a crash based on acceleration thresholds, then can be manually re-engaged after the crash. This dynamic state change allows the system to adapt to different operational contexts (normal operation vs. crash) while maintaining both safety and operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the engagement parameter of the coupling element based on crash detection. When acceleration exceeds a threshold, the coupling element transitions from engaged (locking mechanism closed) to disengaged (locking mechanism can open). This parameter change ensures safety during crashes while allowing intentional opening when needed.
2Ease of operation
If the actuating lever is made sensitive for easy operation, then ease of operation is improved, but unintentional actuation during crash increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element serves as an intermediary between the actuating lever and the release lever. During a crash, the coupling element disengages, breaking the mechanical connection and preventing unintentional actuation of the release lever. This intermediary component filters out harmful vibrations and unintended inputs while allowing intentional actuation when the coupling element is properly engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation mechanism is segmented into two independent stages: (1) actuation of the coupling element, and (2) actuation of the release lever. The coupling element must be engaged before the release lever can be actuated. This segmentation prevents unintentional actuation of the locking mechanism during crashes while maintaining ease of operation through the two-stage process.
3Reliability
If the coupling element remains engaged during crash, then locking mechanism stays closed for safety, but actuating lever movements become idle
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the coupling element's engagement state based on crash conditions. During normal operation, the coupling element remains engaged to maintain locking stability. During crash, it automatically disengages to allow actuation. After crash, it can be re-engaged to restore locking stability. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between stability and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element undergoes periodic engagement/disengagement cycles: engaged during normal operation for stability, disengaged during crash for safety, and re-engaged after crash to restore functionality. This periodic action allows the system to maintain locking stability during normal use while enabling actuation when needed.
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
Prevents unintentional door opening after a crash by ensuring the coupling element remains engaged during and after the crash, allowing controlled opening of the locking mechanism only when intended, thereby enhancing safety.
Implementation Method 1
the actuating lever works on a spring acting on the mass inertia lever in the first stroke of its 2-stroke actuation
Implementation Method 2
at least one mass inertia lever for forcing the coupling element into its disengaged position at least in the event of a crash
Implementation Method 3
the mass inertia lever ensures that the coupling element is actuated, at least in the event of a crash, so that the coupling element assumes its 'disengaged' position
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle lock, in particular a motor vehicle door lock. Said motor vehicle door lock essentially has a locking mechanism consisting of a rotary latch and a pawl. Furthermore, at least one actuating lever and a release lever are realized which can be brought into engagement via a coupling element, in its coupled position, and can be brought out of engagement, in its uncoupled position. Finally, a mass inertia lever for urging the coupling element into its uncoupled position at least in a crash situation is also provided. According to the invention, the actuating lever has to undergo a 2-stroke actuation in order to open the locking mechanism during or after a crash situation.