Motor Vehicle Lock Position Securing Spring Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing latches in motor vehicles and buildings face challenges in securely maintaining the position of locking mechanisms and anti-theft devices during high accelerations, such as those experienced in accidents, requiring significant force and motor power to prevent unintended movement.

Innovation Solution

A latch with a double-direction pincer spring position securing system, where two legs of the spring must be moved simultaneously to change the position of the locking mechanism or anti-theft device, allowing for a weak spring to withstand high accelerations up to 30 g or 55 g, with a compact design and minimal technical effort, using pins with different diameters and cross sections to adjust force characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional spring position securing system is used, then the locking mechanism can be moved with relatively little force, but the system cannot withstand high accelerations during accidents

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition security during high accelerationVSAvoidforce required to move spring leg

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The spring is segmented into two legs that must both be moved simultaneously to change the locking mechanism position. This segmentation creates a mechanical system where the combined spring force of both legs must be overcome, thereby increasing the force requirement while maintaining position security during high accelerations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The position securing system transitions from a single-leg spring configuration to a two-leg spring configuration, adding a dimensional aspect to the force application. Both legs must be displaced simultaneously in the same direction, creating a multi-dimensional force requirement that enhances reliability during high acceleration events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If a strong spring is used to withstand high accelerations, then position security is improved, but the motor power and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition security during high accelerationVSAvoidmotor power required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the spring into two legs, the system achieves high acceleration resistance through the combined effect of both legs rather than requiring a single extremely strong spring. This allows the use of two moderate-strength legs instead of one high-strength component, reducing overall space and power requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a spring configuration that provides more force than strictly necessary for normal operation, but this excessive spring force is specifically tailored to handle high acceleration events. The double-leg design ensures that the spring force is sufficient for accident conditions while remaining manageable for normal motor operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If a conventional single-leg spring is used, then the design is simple, but the system cannot provide sufficient position security during high accelerations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition security during high accelerationVSAvoidspring configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring is divided into two legs that work together to provide position security. While this segmentation increases complexity compared to a single-leg design, the increased complexity is minimal and directly contributes to the enhanced reliability during high acceleration events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The two spring legs are merged into a single integrated spring component, combining their force-generating capabilities while maintaining a compact design. This merging approach provides the reliability benefits of multiple springs while avoiding the complexity of separate spring assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution enables secure positioning of locking mechanisms and anti-theft devices during high accelerations with minimal force and motor power, using a weak spring and small motor, while maintaining reliability and reducing overall space and weight requirements.

Implementation Method 1

A spring provides the position securing system. The spring is a double-direction pincer spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The greater the force required for moving such a spring leg, the greater the required acceleration in the event of a crash in order to be able to change the position of an anti-theft device or of a central locking. By using the correct spring force it can thus be achieved that accelerations of 30 g or up to 55 g cannot change the position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInertia: Inertia

Data Source

PatentUS10113341B2Motor vehicle lock with a position securing system

Publication Date: 2018.10.30 KIEKERT AG

AI summary

Disclosed are door locks that include a spring based position securing system for a locking or anti-theft device. The spring may be a dual-acting clamping spring. Also disclosed are methods for producing door locks that include the spring based position securing system.