Motor Vehicle Lock Power Transmission Bolt Force Redirection
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motor vehicle locks are not adequately designed to withstand sudden impact forces during crashes, as they often rely on stable components that can lead to increased weight and material costs without providing sufficient safety reserves.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle lock featuring a swiveling power transmission bolt that redirects excessive forces from the locking mechanism to the lock case, allowing for a compact, lightweight design while maintaining safety reserves by distributing forces effectively during crashes and everyday use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional locks use stable components to withstand impact forces, then reliability is improved, but weight and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism transitions from a static, continuously stable design to a dynamic system where components are stable only when needed. The rotary latch remains rotatable during normal operation but automatically stabilizes in crash situations through the pawl engaging with the ratchet teeth, providing reliability only when impact forces are applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical properties of the locking mechanism change based on load conditions. Under normal operation, the pawl is disengaged allowing free rotation. Under crash loads, the pawl engages with ratchet teeth, fundamentally changing the stiffness and load-bearing characteristics of the mechanism without increasing component mass.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional locks are designed to be compact and lightweight, then ease of manufacture and cost are improved, but ability to withstand sudden impact forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two functional segments: a lightweight rotary latch for normal operation and a separate pawl-ratchet stabilization system for crash protection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without requiring the entire mechanism to be over-engineered for crash loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The pawl-ratchet mechanism acts as an intermediary between the rotary latch and the lock case. This intermediate stabilization system engages only when needed, transferring excessive forces from the lightweight rotary latch to the robust lock case structure, allowing the main locking components to remain compact and lightweight.
3Reliability
If the lock uses a swiveling power transmission bolt to route forces, then device complexity increases, but the rotary latch axis is relieved and safety is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The power transmission bolt serves multiple functions: it transmits normal operating forces during routine locking/unlocking operations and simultaneously serves as a force diversion element during crash situations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated crash protection components.
Solution Approach 2:
The swiveling power transmission bolt automatically diverts excessive forces without requiring external control systems. The bolt self-adjusts its orientation based on the direction and magnitude of applied forces, routing crash loads away from the rotary latch axis to the lock case structure through its swiveling capability.
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 the lock to be more compact, lighter, and cost-effective while ensuring reliable operation under both normal conditions and crash scenarios, with enhanced safety features and reduced material usage.
Implementation Method 1
The pivoting movements of the power transmission bolt required for this can be realized by springs or other mechanical solutions
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a lock for a motor vehicle, comprising a locking mechanism, which has a rotary latch, which is rotatably supported on a rotary latch shaft and which can receive a locking bolt, and a pawl. Compared to prior art, the lock comprises additional means in order to transmit forces from a rotary latch into the lock case of the lock via the additional means. Altogether, this measure makes it possible to construct a compact, light lock.