Motor Vehicle Lock Shape Memory Resetting Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle locks require additional effort and comfort compromise during emergency situations due to the need for manual or automatic resetting of the shape-memory element after lifting the pawl, especially when energy levels are low.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle lock arrangement with an accessible resetting element, such as a slide or lever, allows for easy external resetting of the shape memory element, and a control system that switches to an auxiliary drive when main drive energy falls below a threshold, ensuring safe pawl lifting and reducing user effort in emergencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the shape memory element is used to lift the pawl in emergency situations, then the locking mechanism can be released, but additional effort is required to reset the shape memory element
Solution Approach 1:
A resetting element is introduced as an intermediary component between the user and the shape memory element. This resetting element transmits the resetting force to the shape memory element, making the reset operation easier and more convenient while maintaining the emergency release function.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual resetting process is simplified by replacing complex mechanical manipulation with a more intuitive mechanical action through the resetting element. The resetting element converts user input into the appropriate force direction and magnitude needed to restore the shape memory element.
2Ease of operation
If the resetting element is made accessible from outside the motor vehicle lock, then resetting can be performed easily, but protection from environmental influences is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The resetting element is nested within the lock housing structure, with portions accessible through openings while other portions remain protected inside. This allows external access for resetting while maintaining environmental protection for the internal components through the housing enclosure.
3Reliability
If the main drive is used to lift the pawl, then normal operation is maintained, but energy consumption increases when energy levels are low
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between the main drive and shape memory element based on energy availability and operational conditions. When energy levels are low or in emergency situations, the system transitions to using the shape memory element for pawl lifting, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining the lifting function.
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 simplifies and reduces the effort required for resetting the shape memory element after lifting the pawl in emergencies, ensuring the lock can be easily returned to a basic state without additional energizing, enhancing user comfort and safety by preventing unnecessary energy consumption and maintaining the pawl in a lifted position until reset.
Implementation Method 1
an auxiliary drive (9) for lifting the pawl (4) in an emergency, having a shape memory arrangement (7) with at least one shape memory element (8) for lifting the pawl (4) through a shape change of the shape memory element (8)
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock assembly with a motor vehicle lock (2), wherein the motor vehicle lock assembly (1) comprises a first locking element (3, 3a), in particular a lock latch (3a), and a locking element designed as a pawl (4) for holding the first locking element (3, 3a) in at least one holding position, as well as a shape memory drive (6) for releasing the pawl (4), wherein the shape memory drive (6) comprises a shape memory assembly (7) with at least one shape memory element (8) for releasing the pawl (4) by a shape change of the shape memory element (8), wherein a reset device (12) is provided for manually resetting the shape change of the shape memory element (8) causing the release of the pawl (4), wherein the reset device (12) comprises a reset element (13).a restoring force can be introduced into the shape memory element (8) for manual reset and the restoring element (8) is accessible for this purpose from outside the vehicle lock (2).