Door Lock Device with Universal Lever for Override Function
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door lock devices require separate designs for vehicles with and without override functions, leading to increased costs due to the need for different parts and higher component counts.
Innovation Solution
A door lock device design that uses a latch mechanism with a link movable between unlock and lock positions, a lock plate to position the link, a knob lever coupled to an inner lock knob, and an inner lever coupled to an inner handle, allowing the door to be opened in both locked and unlocked states with a reduced number of parts by using common components for both functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a door lock device is designed exclusively for providing the override function with separate inner handle and outer handle operating systems, then the override function can be achieved, but the number of parts increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single lever that can function in both locked and unlocked states. The lever is configured to directly operate the latch mechanism when in the unlocked state, and to operate the lock mechanism when in the locked state, thereby eliminating the need for separate inner handle and outer handle operating systems while maintaining the override function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different door lock devices are mounted depending on whether the override function is provided, then the specific function requirements are met, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal door lock device design where the same basic structure can serve both vehicles requiring the override function and those that do not. By configuring the single lever to operate in different modes depending on the lock state, the manufacturer can use the same base design for both applications, reducing tooling and production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the lever's function dynamic rather than fixed. The lever can switch between directly operating the latch mechanism and operating the lock mechanism based on the current lock state, allowing a single static component to perform multiple functions dynamically, thereby simplifying the overall system and reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Device complexity
If a single lever is used to operate both the latch mechanism and lock mechanism, then the number of parts is reduced, but the lever must be capable of different operations in different states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing the lever to change its operational mode based on the lock state. When the lock mechanism is unlocked, the lever directly operates the latch mechanism; when the lock mechanism is locked, the lever operates the lock mechanism. This dynamic functionality allows a single lever to replace multiple components while maintaining the necessary operational versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A door lock device which can widely use common parts between one with an override function and one without an override function and can be constructed by a reduced number of parts. The door lock device includes a latch mechanism having an operation receiving portion for releasing an engaged state of a striker, a link being movable between an unlock position and a lock position, a lock plate positioning the link at the unlock position and the lock position, a knob lever actuating the lock plate to move the link to the lock position or the unlock position, and an inner lever releasing the engaged state of the striker by the latch mechanism via the link. The knob lever is provided with an engagement receiving portion. The inner lever is provided with an engaging portion engaging with the engagement receiving portion to move the link to the unlock position via the knob lever and the lock plate.