Liftgate Lock Emergency Actuation Lever Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle locks with emergency actuation devices are not compact, require many components, and complicate assembly, making them costly and difficult to use safely in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle lock with a rotary latch and pawl mechanism, featuring an actuating lever pivotably mounted on the housing that can be locked against a spring force, with a resilient extension engaging the housing for secure positioning and minimal component usage, allowing for safe emergency actuation with a form-fitting accommodation that reduces the number of required components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an emergency actuation device is integrated into the motor vehicle lock, then the lock can be opened manually in case of power failure, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency actuation device is integrated directly into the locking mechanism housing, merging the emergency release function with the existing lock structure. The actuating lever is pivotally mounted on the housing and directly interacts with the locking mechanism components, eliminating the need for separate external emergency release mechanisms and reducing overall component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating lever serves multiple functions: it acts as both the emergency release mechanism and a structural component of the locking system. The resilient extension serves dual purposes by providing both the restoring force for the lever and the positive connection to the housing, reducing the need for separate springs and fasteners.
2Reliability
If multiple components are used for the emergency actuation device, then the emergency function can be achieved, but assembly becomes more difficult and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating lever and resilient extension are designed as integrated components that work together as a single assembly unit. The lever is pivotally mounted on the housing using existing mounting points, and the resilient extension connects the lever to the locking mechanism components, reducing the number of separate parts that need to be assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The emergency actuation device is segmented into modular components (actuating lever, resilient extension, engagement elements) that can be assembled independently and then integrated into the locking mechanism. This modular approach simplifies manufacturing and assembly while maintaining the complete emergency release function.
3Device complexity
If the actuating lever is pivotably mounted on the housing with minimal components, then assembly is simplified, but the secure positioning and backlash-free operation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient extension is pre-loaded to provide a constant restoring force on the actuating lever, ensuring that the lever is always under controlled tension. This preliminary action of the spring ensures that when the lever is actuated, it moves smoothly without backlash and returns to its neutral position reliably, maintaining secure positioning with minimal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient extension acts as an intermediary element between the actuating lever and the locking mechanism, providing both the mechanical connection and the restoring force. This intermediary component ensures that the lever is securely positioned during normal operation and enables smooth, backlash-free actuation when the emergency release is triggered.
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
Enables safe and easy emergency actuation of the motor vehicle lock with minimal structural means, reducing component complexity and facilitating assembly, while ensuring a secure and backlash-free operation of the locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
The actuating lever has a resilient extension which can be brought into engagement with the housing. The actuating lever is arranged pivotably in or on the housing of the motor vehicle lock. In order to achieve a restoring force for the actuating lever, the actuating lever has the extension which can be brought into engagement with the housing.
Implementation Method 2
the actuating lever being actuatable against the force of a spring
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock (1), in particular a liftgate lock, comprising a locking mechanism, consisting of a rotary latch and at least one pawl, and an emergency actuation device having an actuation lever (6) pivotably mounted on a housing (2) of the motor vehicle lock (1). The actuation lever (6) can be actuated against the force of a spring (8). A blocked locking mechanism can be manually unblocked by means of the actuation lever (6). The actuation lever (6) can be interlockingly connected to the housing (2).