Motor Vehicle Lock Safety Device with Deflectable Blocking Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle lock arrangements face challenges in ensuring the safety device functions effectively during high crash accelerations without increasing structural design complexity, as current solutions either depend on crash acceleration direction or require significant design effort.
Innovation Solution
A safety device with a deflectable blocking element that uses a coupling arrangement to convert the first actuation movement caused by crash accelerations into a blocking position, utilizing a latching arrangement to hold the blocking position and a spring element for deflection, ensuring functionality regardless of crash acceleration direction and maintaining a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a deflectable blocking element with detent arrangement is used to block actuating movement during crashes, then functional reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element integrates multiple functions: it acts as both the blocking element and the detent arrangement through its L-shaped design. The first leg blocks actuating movement while the second leg engages with the detent recess, combining what would traditionally be separate components into one unified element.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it blocks the actuating movement of the functional element, provides the detent engagement structure through its L-shape, and works with the spring element to provide both blocking and resetting functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate safety components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a spring element is used to deflect the blocking element, then the safety device can return to initial position after crash, but the design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is integrated directly into the housing structure rather than being a separate external component. It is positioned to directly engage with the blocking element, creating a compact arrangement where the spring, blocking element, and housing form a unified assembly with minimal additional parts.
3Reliability
If the blocking element is positioned to block actuating movement, then door opening is prevented during crashes, but normal operation may be interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is designed to be movable rather than fixed. It can deflect between a blocking position (engaging with the functional element during crashes) and a retracted position (allowing normal operation). This dynamic positioning is controlled by the spring element that pushes the blocking element into the retracted position during normal use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the position parameter of the blocking element based on operational conditions. During normal operation, the spring maintains the blocking element in a retracted position that does not interfere with actuating movement. During crashes, the blocking element moves to a blocking position that prevents door opening, with the transition controlled by the detent arrangement and spring forces.
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 provides high functional reliability and a robust, compact structural design by utilizing the first actuation movement to deflect the blocking element into a blocking position, effectively preventing unwanted door opening during crashes while allowing normal operation without interference.
Implementation Method 1
a deflectable blocking element (3) which can be deflected from an initial position against a spring force into a blocking position
Implementation Method 2
a detent arrangement (15) assigned to the blocking element (3), which engages when the blocking element (3) is deflected into the blocking position
Implementation Method 3
The locking element is preferably coupled to the functional element via a coupling arrangement, at least within one range of motion of the functional element, such that an actuating movement of the functional element via the coupling arrangement causes a deflection movement of the locking element
Implementation Method 4
Sufficiently high crash accelerations can cause such a deflection movement at a speed that the inertia of the locking element causes it to deflect beyond its normal operating range into the locking position
Data Source
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AI summary
The motor vehicle lock assembly has a motor vehicle lock, where an actuated functional element (1) and a safety unit (2) are provided, and the safety unit is assigned to the functional element. The safety unit has a blocking element (3) that is deflected against a pretension, particularly against a spring pretension. The blocking element is deflected in a blocking position, in which an actuating movement (4) of the functional element is blocked by the blocking element.