External Damping Element for Locking Device Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing superimposed drive systems for motor vehicles generate unwanted noise during the operation of locking devices, particularly when the locking element moves between locking and release positions, which can be disturbing and is not effectively addressed by existing solutions like O-rings or air/oil dampers due to space and cost constraints.
Innovation Solution
A superimposed drive system with a locking device featuring a damping element located outside the housing, which is elastic and designed to dampen the movement of the locking element into the release position, allowing for a compact and cost-effective noise reduction solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If O-rings are used to avoid direct mechanical contact between the locking pin and other components, then noise is reduced, but the deformation path is limited which restricts the force profile design
Solution Approach 1:
The damping function is extracted from the locking mechanism housing and implemented as a separate damping element positioned externally. This allows the damping element to provide an extended deformation path for the locking pin without interfering with the internal components, thereby reducing noise while enabling flexible force profile design.
Solution Approach 2:
A separate damping element is introduced as an intermediary component between the locking pin and the external environment. This damping element absorbs impact energy and provides a controlled deformation path, mediating between the locking mechanism and the surrounding structure to reduce noise while maintaining design flexibility.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If air or oil dampers are used to dampen locking element movement, then noise is reduced, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple, cost-effective damping element made from inexpensive materials such as elastomers or rubber, replacing expensive air or oil dampers. This damping element provides sufficient noise reduction functionality at a fraction of the cost, making it economically viable for mass production.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping characteristics are achieved by selecting appropriate material parameters (such as elastomer hardness, damping coefficient) and geometric parameters (deformation path length, cross-sectional area) for the damping element, rather than using complex engineered dampers. This allows noise reduction to be achieved through material and design selection rather than expensive components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If air or oil dampers are used to dampen locking element movement, then noise is reduced, but the required space increases which causes installation problems
Solution Approach 1:
The damping element is positioned to utilize the existing spatial arrangement of the locking mechanism, effectively nesting the damping function within the available space around the locking pin's travel path. This allows the damping element to provide extended deformation path and effective noise reduction without requiring additional installation space.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping element is arranged in a spatial configuration that utilizes the external space around the locking pin movement, rather than requiring internal space within the housing. By positioning the damping element outside the housing and allowing the locking pin to impinge on it during movement, the solution achieves noise reduction without increasing the footprint of the locking device.
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
The solution effectively reduces operating noise by using an external damping element to absorb the movement of the locking element, providing a space-saving and economical design that minimizes noise generation during locking and unlocking operations.
Implementation Method 1
a damping element (4) with a damping section (42) that is located outside the housing (32) of the locking device... the locking device (3) is designed such that when the locking element (31) moves into the release position an end (312) of the locking element (31) moves out of or away from the housing (32) of the locking device (3) and impinges on the damping section (42)
Implementation Method 2
a damping device that dampens a movement of the locking element into the release position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4B
AI summary
The invention relates to a locking device for locking a movable component, particularly a superimposing drive for a superimposed steering system, having - a locking element (31) movable back and forth between a locking and a release position, cooperating in the locking position with a movable component (33) situated outside a housing (32) of the locking device (3) and - a damping device that damps a movement of the locking element (31) into the release position, - wherein the damping device has a damping element (4) with a damping section (42) that is situated outside the housing (32) of the locking device (3), - and wherein the locking device (3) is designed such that one end (312) of the locking element (31) moves out of the housing (32) of the locking device (3) in case of a movement of the locking element (31) into the release position and strikes the damping section (42).