Impact-Actuated Door Locking Device for Side Collision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle door locking systems fail to effectively maintain the door in a closed position during a side impact, such as the 20 mile per hour oblique pole test, which is a critical safety test for door integrity.
Innovation Solution
A locking device comprising a base, stake, lever, and gusset with a rotational axis, where the stake has a pointed distal end and the lever has an arcuate distal end, forming an acute included angle between 30-60 degrees, is mounted to the door outer panel and designed to pierce the rocker panel and inner door panel upon impact, rotating to lock the door to the rocker panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional door locking system is used, then the door can be locked in normal conditions, but the door fails to remain securely closed during a side impact crash event
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device transitions from a static locking mechanism to a dynamic one that activates during side impact. The stake and lever rotate about the rotational axis in response to crash forces, automatically engaging the locked position only when needed during a side impact event, thereby improving reliability without requiring a permanently complex structure
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes its structural parameters during side impact by rotating the stake and lever from an initial position to a locked position. This parameter change (angular displacement about the rotational axis) transforms the locking mechanism from an unlocked to a locked state, ensuring door security during crash events while maintaining simplicity in the resting state
2Ease of manufacture
If the locking device structure is simplified, then manufacturing is easier, but the device cannot effectively pierce and bind the door panels during impact
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is segmented into distinct functional components (stake with pointed distal end, lever with arcuate distal end, base, and gusset) that can be manufactured separately and assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall manufacturing simplicity, yet achieves strong binding capability when the components work together during impact
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device employs a composite structure combining the stake, lever, base, and gusset into an integrated assembly. This composite design maintains ease of manufacture through modular construction while achieving the necessary strength to pierce door panels and bind them together during side impact events
3Area of stationary object
If the stake and lever are positioned at a larger angle, then the locking mechanism has more clearance, but the acute angle geometry required for effective piercing cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The stake and lever are positioned at an acute angle (30-60 degrees) in the initial state to achieve the necessary piercing geometry, then dynamically rotate about the rotational axis during impact to achieve the locked position. This dynamic transformation allows the system to maintain both the acute angle geometry needed for effective piercing and sufficient clearance space for the locking components
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 locking device ensures the motor vehicle door remains secured in a closed position during a side impact by rapidly piercing and binding the door and rocker panels, preventing the door from opening, even when the latch and handle are in the crash zone.
Implementation Method 1
driving a pointed distal end of a stake of the locking device through the rocker panel by means of force generated by the side impact
Implementation Method 2
rotating the locking device so as to lock the door outer panel to the rocker panel by means of the locking device
Data Source
AI summary
A locking device is provided for a motor vehicle door. The locking device includes a body having a base, a stake, a lever, a gusset and a rotational axis. A method of locking a motor vehicle door closed in response to a side impact is also provided.