Motor Vehicle Hood Lock with Bowden Cable Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle hood locks are not versatile and cannot efficiently coordinate various types of mechanical and electronic opening commands, failing to meet legislative requirements for both user and child-operated manual actuation, especially in electric cars.

Innovation Solution

A lock system with a catch and pawl mechanism, utilizing Bowden cables and springs for mechanical and electronic actuation, allowing for partial and complete opening of the hood, with an optional kid lever mechanism for enhanced safety and control, ensuring compliance with market and legislative standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional lock mechanism with catch and pawl is used, then the hood can be securely locked, but it cannot adapt to different types of opening commands (electrical, mechanical, child-operated)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different opening commandsVSAvoidcomplexity of coordinating multiple actuation types

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lock mechanism is designed to accept multiple types of opening commands through a universal interface. The catch assembly can be actuated by electrical motors, mechanical cables, or manual levers, all of which interface with the same pawl-release mechanism. This allows a single lock design to serve multiple functions and accommodate different actuation types without requiring separate locking systems for each command type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The pawl acts as an intermediary element that mediates between various actuation commands and the catch. Whether the command comes from an electrical motor, mechanical cable, or child-operated lever, the pawl translates these different input types into a unified action: releasing the catch from its locked position. This intermediary mechanism coordinates diverse actuation types efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the lock is designed for complete opening only, then it meets basic functionality, but it cannot satisfy legislative requirements for partial opening and child safety

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability for partial and complete openingVSAvoidreliability of safe operation under different conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The opening operation is segmented into two distinct phases: partial opening and complete opening. The catch can be released to a partial opening position that allows access to the hood compartment, and a separate child-operated lever can trigger complete opening. This segmentation allows the system to meet different legislative requirements for user access and child safety without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lock system incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities where the catch can be held in different states (fully locked, partially opened, or fully opened). The pawl mechanism allows controlled movement between these states, and the system can dynamically respond to different actuation commands by transitioning between these positions, ensuring safe operation under varying conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If the catch is held firmly by the pawl, then the lock is secure, but it requires significant force to release, making manual actuation difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholding strength of pawl on catchVSAvoidease of manual actuation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pawl engages with the catch in a periodic manner that allows for controlled release. During normal operation, the pawl firmly holds the catch in the locked position. When actuation is required, the system transitions to a release phase where the pawl is temporarily disengaged or pivoted away, allowing the catch to move with minimal force. This periodic engagement and disengagement pattern maintains security while enabling easy manual actuation when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS11377881B2Lock for motor vehicle hood

Publication Date: 2022.07.05 CEBI ITALY SPA

AI summary

A lock for a motor vehicle hood having a catch suitable for fastening a striker, a pawl that cooperates with the catch in order to block the catch in closing position, a safety lever that guarantees the additional closing of the striker, a first spring that stresses the catch towards an opening position, a second spring that stresses the pawl towards a closing position, a third spring that stresses the safety lever towards closing position, a first Bowden cable connected to the pawl to pull the pawl towards the opening position, and a second Bowden cable connected to the safety lever to pull the safety lever towards the opening position.