Hood Lock Rotary Latch Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing front hinged-panel locks for motor vehicles lack efficient control technology and are structurally complex and costly, which complicates secure closing and easy opening of engine hoods or hinged panels.
Innovation Solution
A hood lock design featuring a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and pawl, a lock holder, a release lever, and a closing drive, where the position of the rotary latch and pawl are detectable by switching means, allowing for optimized control technology and simplified structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional locking mechanism is used without position detection, then the structure is simpler, but the control technology is inefficient and reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using switching means to detect the position of the rotary latch (support position and main latching position) and providing this information to the control unit. This enables the control unit to monitor the locking state and control the closing drive accordingly, improving reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through structured feedback loops.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical control with an electromechanical system where the control unit uses electrical signals to control the closing drive and receive feedback from switching means. This substitution of mechanical control with electrical control systems improves reliability and enables more sophisticated control strategies.
2Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism with multiple positions is used, then the security and control are improved, but the structure becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the locking mechanism into distinct functional elements: the rotary latch with its multiple positions (support position, main latching position, intermediate position), the pawl for engagement, the closing drive for actuation, and the switching means for detection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while the control unit coordinates them, managing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control through the control unit that actively manages the locking mechanism based on real-time feedback from the rotary latch position. The system transitions from static mechanical locking to dynamic electromechanical control, enabling intelligent coordination of multiple positions and improving security while managing complexity through software-based control logic.
3Ease of operation
If the lock holder is transferred through multiple positions, then the closing control is improved, but the operation becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through the spring element that automatically returns the rotary latch to the support position after the closing drive releases it. This automatic return function eliminates the need for additional actuators or complex control logic for the return movement, simplifying the transfer mechanism while maintaining controlled operation through the coordination of the closing drive and spring element.
Data Source
AI summary
A hood lock for a motor vehicle comprising a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, a lock holder interacting with the locking mechanism, a release lever, the locked locking mechanism being able to be unlocked by means of the release lever, and the lock holder being transferable from a latching position into a support position after a first actuation, and the lock holder being transferable after a second actuation of the release lever into a release position, and a closing drive, wherein the locking mechanism can be moved by means of the closing drive from the support position into a main latching position, and wherein at least one position of the rotary latch can be detected by means of a switching means, and wherein at least one further switching means is provided for detecting the pawl position.