Motor Vehicle Lock Plate with Semicircular Edge Bend
Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicle locks face challenges in meeting security requirements under extreme loads while also needing to reduce vehicle weight and maintain structural simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle lock design featuring a rotatably mounted rotary latch and pawl on a lock plate with a part-circular chamfer opposite the entry slot, which enhances stability by distributing loads effectively and increasing the lock plate's ability to absorb tensile forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the lock plate is made from metallic material (steel) to ensure robustness and security, then the strength and reliability are improved, but the weight of the locking system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chamfer is provided only in the end region opposite the entry slot where tensile forces are most critical, rather than making the entire lock plate thicker or using material throughout. This localized reinforcement provides strength exactly where needed while minimizing additional weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The chamfer has a semicircular cross-section instead of a sharp edge, creating a curved load path that distributes tensile forces more effectively. This rounded geometry provides structural reinforcement similar to how arches distribute loads, enhancing strength without requiring additional material mass.
2Reliability
If additional reinforcing elements or structures are added to stabilize the lock plate under extreme loads, then the reliability and load-bearing capacity are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chamfer is integrated directly into the lock plate structure itself, combining the reinforcement function with the existing lock plate geometry. This eliminates the need for separate reinforcing elements, brackets, or additional structural components that would increase complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The chamfer serves multiple functions: it reinforces the lock plate against tensile forces, provides a mounting surface for the rotary latch and locking pawl, and maintains the overall structural integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
3Strength
If the lock plate design is optimized to absorb higher tensile loads, then the strength and security are improved, but the manufacturing cost and production complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement is segmented to only the critical end region opposite the entry slot, rather than requiring thickening or reinforcement of the entire lock plate. This localized approach simplifies manufacturing compared to global reinforcement strategies.
Solution Approach 2:
The chamfer changes the geometric parameters of the lock plate in a specific region, creating a load-distributing shape that can be achieved through standard forming or machining processes. This geometric modification provides strength enhancement without requiring advanced manufacturing techniques or expensive materials.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock (15), comprising at least a rotary latch (19), a pawl (17), and a lock plate (14), wherein the rotary latch (19) and the pawl (17) are rotatably supported on the lock plate (14), the lock plate (14) has at least two openings (21, 22) for mounting the motor vehicle lock (15), and the lock plate (14) has a run-in slot (25) for a striker (28), and wherein an edge bend (20) lying opposite the run-in slot (25) is provided on the lock plate (14), wherein the edge bend (20) has the form of a semicircle at least in an end region (27) opposite the run-in slot (25).