Integrated Emergency Release Mechanism for Vehicle Door Locks

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle door lock systems require multiple separate mechanical and electrical cables for emergency release and door lock functions, increasing complexity and cost.

Innovation Solution

An integrated lock mechanism that combines isolation and primary lock functions with a single emergency release mechanism, utilizing a release cam assembly to sequentially unlock both locks and open the door.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate isolation lock and emergency release mechanisms are used, then reliable door locking and emergency release functions are achieved, but the number of mechanical and electrical cables increases, leading to increased system complexity and cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor locking and emergency release functionVSAvoidnumber of cables

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the isolation lock mechanism and emergency release mechanism into a single integrated assembly. The isolation lock lever arm and emergency release cam share common mechanical linkages and cables, allowing both functions to be achieved through a unified structure rather than separate independent systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The emergency release cam serves multiple functions: it can override the isolation lock when pulled from the exterior, and it can also directly operate the door operator when pulled from the interior. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate cable systems for different emergency release locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate cables are used for isolation lock and emergency release, then distinct control functions are provided, but the cost of providing these functions increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol function distinctionVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the cable systems by having the emergency release cam share the same mechanical connection path with the door operator. A single cable pull can engage different portions of the cam mechanism to achieve either isolation lock override or direct door operation, reducing the number of cables and associated hardware needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated mechanism allows a single cable system to provide multiple control functions. The exterior emergency release and interior emergency release both act through the same cam mechanism, which can selectively engage different lock components based on the direction and force of the pull, providing versatile control with reduced hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12264513B2Integrated primary lock and isolation lock emergency release mechanism

Publication Date: 2025.04.01 WESTINGHOUSE AIR BRAKE TECH CORP

AI summary

A lock mechanism includes a release cam assembly configured to be articulated around an axis of a spindle, an isolation lock unlock linkage, a primary lock unlock linkage, and a door panel suspension. Responsive to an emergency release being pulled, the isolation lock unlock linkage and the primary lock unlock linkage are configured to be sequentially actuated in a sequence that includes a) unlocking an isolation lock when the isolation lock previously was in a locked position, b) unlocking a primary door lock by rotational stroke motion of the spindle, and c) rotating the spindle in an open direction.