Motor Vehicle Hatch Lock Cinching via Bowden Cable Force Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hatch arrangements with cinching systems are complex and require two separate hatch drive arrangements and cinching systems on both sides of the hatch leaf, making them less robust.
Innovation Solution
A hatch arrangement that uses a single hatch drive arrangement to transfer force via a transfer element and Bowden cable directly to the hatch lock catch, eliminating the need for separate cinching catches and sensors, and simplifying the construction by integrating the cinching system internally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate hatch drive arrangements and cinching systems are used on both sides of the hatch leaf, then the hatch can be uniformly closed, but the construction becomes complex and less robust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cinching system with the hatch lock by integrating the Bowden cable directly into the hatch lock mechanism. This eliminates the need for separate cinching catches and strikers on both sides of the hatch, reducing the number of components while maintaining uniform closing functionality. The single hatch drive arrangement now controls both the hatch leaf movement and the cinching action through this integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The hatch lock is given multiple functions: it serves as both the locking mechanism and the cinching system actuator. The Bowden cable integrated into the hatch lock performs dual functions of transmitting the cinching force and controlling the latch engagement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated separate cinching system components.
2Reliability
If separate cinching catches and strikers are arranged on both sides of the hatch leaf, then the hatch can be securely closed, but additional sensors and control systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The hatch lock with integrated Bowden cable performs the cinching action automatically through mechanical self-service. The single-acting cylinder with integrated Bowden cable automatically translates the hatch leaf closing motion into the cinching force needed to engage the latch, eliminating the need for separate sensors to detect latch position and control the cinching system.
3Device complexity
If the cinching system acts on the hatch lock catch directly, then the construction is simplified, but the force transfer mechanism must be reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The Bowden cable serves as an intermediary element that reliably transfers force from the single-acting cylinder to the hatch lock catch. This flexible cable mechanism provides reliable force transmission while allowing for the integrated design, accommodating movement and positioning variations without compromising the reliability of the force transfer.
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 results in a more robust and simplified hatch arrangement with reduced complexity, as the cinching system directly acts on the hatch lock catch, eliminating the need for dual drive arrangements and external sensors, and ensures uniform operation without additional pulling forces between the transfer element and vehicle body.
Implementation Method 1
a Bowden cable connecting the transfer element with the hatch lock catch
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention is directed at a hatch arrangement for a motor vehicle, the hatch arrangement comprising a hatch leaf (2) pivotably coupled to a vehicle body (3) of the motor vehicle (1) and being movable around a hatch axis (xi) between an open hatch position and a closed hatch position, a hatch drive arrangement (4) for moving the hatch leaf (2), a hatch lock (5) arranged on the hatch leaf (2), the hatch lock (5) comprising a hatch lock catch (6) for engaging a hatch lock striker (7) in a retaining manner in a primary latch position and in a secondary latch position and for disengaging the hatch lock striker (7) in an open latch position, and a cinching system (8) configured to move the hatch lock catch (6) from the secondary latch position to the primary latch position. The hatch arrangement is characterized in that the hatch arrangement comprises, as part of the cinching system (8), a force transfer arrangement (9) for transferring a force, preferably a pulling force, exerted by the hatch drive arrangement (4) to the hatch lock catch (6), wherein the force transfer arrangement (9) comprises a transfer element (10) coupled to the hatch drive arrangement (4) and a Bowden cable (11) connecting the transfer element (10) with the hatch lock catch (6), and wherein in the closed hatch position of the hatch leaf (2) the hatch arrangement is free from pulling forces between the transfer element (10) and the vehicle body (3).