Electric Hood Lock Control Disk Mechanism for Gap Minimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locking devices for motor vehicle hoods or flaps face challenges in minimizing gaps between the hood and the body, leading to air turbulence, high opening forces, and safety concerns due to complex electronic systems and lack of mechanical redundancy, which results in increased component movement and operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a control disk having three distinct control contours that rotate to lower an ejector lever, release and lock a pawl, and adjust a transmission lever, allowing for purely electric operation of locking, opening, and closing functions without excessive technical expense, reducing the gap between the hood and the body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional locking devices are used to close hoods or flaps, then the locking function is achieved, but the gap between the hood and the body cannot be minimized, leading to air turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the gap minimization function with the locking function by integrating the lock housing into a movable assembly that includes both the locking mechanism and the ejector lever. This merged structure allows a single actuation to simultaneously close the gap and engage the lock, eliminating air turbulence without requiring separate complex systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock housing serves multiple functions: it houses the locking mechanism, acts as the moving element that minimizes the gap, and provides the mounting structure for the ejector lever. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components while achieving both gap minimization and secure locking.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If additional components are added to minimize gaps, then air turbulence is reduced, but the number of moving components and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the gap-minimizing lock housing with the locking mechanism into a single integrated assembly. This combination allows the system to achieve gap minimization without adding separate moving components, as the lock housing itself performs both functions.
3Ease of operation
If purely electric systems are used for hood locking, then convenience is improved, but control errors can cause significant damage and mechanical redundancy is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a mechanically actuated emergency release system that can override the electric locking mechanism. This provides a backup failure mode that prevents catastrophic damage if the electric system fails or malfunctions, while maintaining the convenience of electric operation under normal conditions.
4Reliability
If sophisticated electronic systems are implemented to prevent control errors, then safety is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a mechanically actuated emergency release system as a simple, reliable backup that does not require complex electronic controls. This mechanical redundancy provides safety against control errors without adding sophisticated electronic systems, maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a closing device, comprising a locking mechanism, which has a rotary latch and at least one pawl for locking the rotary latch. The closing device comprises an electric drive for moving components of the closing device. The present invention is especially advantageous for front hoods or front flaps, which are located in the front as viewed in the typical direction of travel of a motor vehicle. The invention further relates to a method for closing a hood by means of a closing device according to the corresponding claims. The present invention aim to be able to suitably move and control a plurality of components in such a closing device without having to make an excessive technical effort therefor. The invention should preferably enable a purely electrically operated hood lock having locking, opening, and closing functions. In order to achieve the aim, a closing device having a locking mechanism comprises a control disk, by means of which at least two components, preferably at least three components, of the closing device can be moved by means of rotation of the control disk. Thus, for suitable movement of a plurality of components, it is only necessary to rotate the control disk by rotation by means of an electric drive in order to be able to close and/or open a door or flap.