Motor Vehicle Lid Lock with Position Sensor and Anti-Tamper Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel tank lid locks and electric charging socket lid locks are prone to involuntary tampering due to accidental actuation of the locking pin, leading to incorrect locking or unlocking, and there is a need for a solution that is reliable, compact, inexpensive, and easy to manufacture and install.
Innovation Solution
A lock mechanism featuring a T-shaped locking pin with a central pin and detection means, such as a Reed switch, that prevents accidental locking by using a spring-loaded central pin and a helical coupling system, along with a control unit to manage the locking and unlocking positions, ensuring accurate detection of the lid's status and preventing involuntary actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a sensor detects the closing position of the locking pin to send a confirmation signal to the actuator, then the locking system can automatically block the locking pin in locking position, but the system becomes vulnerable to involuntary actuation when the user accidentally pushes the locking pin while the lid is open
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a T-shaped intermediate element that couples the locking pin to the detection means. This intermediary component ensures that the sensor only detects the closing position when the lid is actually closed and is holding the locking pin in position, not when the user accidentally pushes it. The T-shaped element acts as a mechanical mediator that distinguishes between legitimate closing forces (from the closed lid) and accidental pushes (from the user's hand or fuel nozzle).
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the detection means (sensor) to control the actuator, which blocks or unblocks the locking pin based on the detected position. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically respond to the lid's closing state while preventing incorrect locking, because the feedback is only generated when the T-shaped intermediate element is properly engaged by the closed lid, not during accidental pushes.
2Reliability
If a T-shaped intermediate element is introduced to prevent accidental locking, then the reliability of the locking system is improved, but the device complexity and number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The T-shaped intermediate element is merged with the locking pin assembly, forming an integrated component rather than a separate complex mechanism. The intermediate element is directly coupled to the locking pin, and the detection means is integrated into the same assembly, reducing the overall number of discrete parts while maintaining the reliability improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: the locking pin, the T-shaped intermediate element, and the detection means. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together as a cohesive system, making the design simpler and easier to manufacture compared to a monolithic complex mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If the locking pin is designed to move freely for easy operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the vulnerability to accidental actuation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin is designed with dynamic characteristics - it can move freely during normal operation (opening and closing the lid) but becomes locked in position when the actuator engages it. The T-shaped intermediate element provides this dynamic behavior by allowing free movement during legitimate operation while preventing accidental locking through its geometric coupling with the detection means, which only generates a detection signal when properly engaged by the closed lid.
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 mechanism effectively prevents involuntary tampering by accurately detecting the lid's position and controlling the locking pin's movement, ensuring reliable operation while being compact and cost-effective to manufacture and install.
Implementation Method 1
detection means (3), such as a Reed switch, that prevents accidental locking by using a spring-loaded central pin
Data Source
AI summary
A lock of a motor vehicle lid has a box and a cover, a locking pin provided with a head that protrudes from the cover to engage with a housing of a lid in order to close the lid. The locking pin is internally empty and has a through axial channel. A central pin is mounted with the possibility of sliding in an axial direction in the through axial channel of the locking pin. A spring is disposed between the box and the central pin to push the central pin and the locking pin to the extracted position. Detection is provided in the box to detect when the central pin is in retracted position or in extracted position.