Motor Vehicle Lock Coupling Element Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle locks face challenges in reliably positioning the coupling element due to inconsistent interaction with the drive element, leading to functional position uncertainties.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle lock design featuring a rotary latch, pawl, and coupling element with an electric drive, where the drive element and lock cover have position indentations interacting with a spring mechanism to ensure precise positioning of the coupling element, utilizing a rotatable bearing holder and spring force for stable positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring mechanism interacts with position indentations on the drive element or lock cover, then positioning reliability of the coupling element is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is integrated directly into the existing drive element or lock cover structure, merging the positioning function with the existing components rather than adding a separate positioning system. This reduces overall device complexity while maintaining positioning reliability through the unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism automatically engages with the position indentations to provide self-positioning and self-locking of the coupling element without requiring external actuation or complex control systems. The spring's inherent elasticity provides the necessary force for reliable positioning while keeping the mechanism simple and self-regulating.
2Manufacturing precision
If the coupling element is rotatably mounted on a bearing receptacle, then angular play is minimized, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing receptacle uses a spherical or curved bearing surface that naturally compensates for minor manufacturing variations. The spherical geometry allows the coupling element to self-align while minimizing angular play, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements compared to flat or rigid mounting surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing receptacle acts as an intermediary element between the drive element and coupling element, absorbing and compensating for manufacturing tolerances. This intermediate bearing structure minimizes the transmission of angular play while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized bearing components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the spring mechanism interacts with position indentations, then positioning stability is improved, but installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is nested within the existing structural spaces of the drive element or lock cover, utilizing available voids and cavities rather than requiring additional external space. The position indentations are integrated into the existing geometry, allowing the spring to provide stable positioning while minimizing increase in overall installation volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism uses a flexible, compact design that can be accommodated within tight spaces. The spring's coiled or folded structure provides the necessary mechanical function in a minimal volume, maintaining positioning stability without significantly increasing installation space requirements.
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
This design ensures reliable and cost-effective positioning of the coupling element, allowing for functional positions like child safety, childproof, and anti-theft modes, while minimizing installation space and angular play, and enabling efficient force transmission through a spring mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism is provided and the spring mechanism interacts with the position indentations of the detent contour such that the coupling element can be positioned in the various positions
Implementation Method 2
the spring mechanism interacts with the position indentations of the detent contour, thereby enabling the coupling element to be positioned in the positions
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock (10), in particular for a vehicle rear door (110), having a lock cover (11) and a locking mechanism (12, 13) consisting essentially of a rotary latch (12) and at least one pawl (13), also comprising at least one coupling element (17, 18), and at least one electric drive (14, 15, 16), wherein the coupling element (17, 18) can assume different positions (I, II, III), and the coupling element (17, 18) interacts with a drive element (14) of the drive (14, 15, 16) and a central locking mechanism (40), wherein the coupling element (17, 18) is connected to the drive element (14) in order to take up its positions (I, II, III).