Motor Vehicle Lock Illuminant Circuit Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle locking devices with integrated lighting systems require separate current paths for power supply, complicating construction and increasing installation space, due to the need for distinct connector pins and conductor structures.
Innovation Solution
Integrating the light source into the circuit of the electric drive, allowing the same voltage supply lines to power both the electric drive and the light source, thereby simplifying the design and reducing the number of conductor tracks needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the light source is supplied with power via a separate current path, then the lighting function can be independently controlled, but the device complexity and installation space increase due to additional connector pins and conductor structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source power supply with the electric drive circuit by integrating the light source into the existing drive circuitry. The control unit utilizes the same power supply lines and control signals to operate both the electric drive and the light source, eliminating the need for separate current paths while maintaining functional control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The existing power supply lines and control unit are made multi-functional by enabling them to control both the electric drive mechanism and the light source. This universal approach allows a single circuit to serve multiple purposes: actuating the lock mechanism and providing lighting indication, thereby reducing overall system complexity
2Reliability
If separate current paths are used for the light source, then the lighting can be independently powered, but the installation space and connector requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light source power supply with the electric drive circuit by integrating the light source into the existing drive circuitry. The control unit utilizes the same power supply lines and control signals to operate both the electric drive and the light source, eliminating the need for separate current paths while maintaining functional control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The existing power supply lines and control unit are made multi-functional by enabling them to control both the electric drive mechanism and the light source. This universal approach allows a single circuit to serve multiple purposes: actuating the lock mechanism and providing lighting indication, thereby reducing overall system complexity
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 solution reduces the complexity of electronic connections, minimizes installation space, and allows for a more cost-effective and structurally simpler control of lighting in motor vehicle locking devices, while maintaining safety features like enhanced visibility for road users.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electric drive, wherein the drive can be controlled by means of the control unit
Implementation Method 2
at least one light source associated with the locking device, wherein the light source can be controlled depending on a status of the locking device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling a motor vehicle locking mechanism and to a motor vehicle locking mechanism, in particular a motor vehicle door lock (3), comprising a control unit (7), at least one electric drive (4, 5) that can be controlled by the control unit (7), and at least one illuminant (2) that can be associated with the locking mechanism (3), the illuminant (2) being controllable in accordance with a status of the locking mechanism (3) and/or of a vehicle component accommodating the locking mechanism (3), said status being detectable by the control unit (7), the illuminant (2) being integrated into a switching circuit (1, 14) of the electric drive (4, 5).