Motor Vehicle Lock Spring Detection Prevents Fatigue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle latch mechanisms with microswitches for detecting the position of locking mechanism components are prone to spring fatigue, leading to malfunctions due to permanent pre-tensioning, which affects reliability and durability.
Innovation Solution
A latch mechanism with a detection device using a spring that opens or closes an electrical circuit based on the movement of components, eliminating the need for permanent pre-tensioning and thus preventing spring fatigue, where the electrical circuit indicates the position of the component, enabling reliable and durable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a microswitch is positioned in the activated and thus in the stressed state to detect the position of the pawl, then the position detection function is achieved, but spring fatigue occurs leading to malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of keeping the microswitch permanently activated (stressed state) to detect pawl position, the invention inverts the approach by using a spring that is normally relaxed and only activates the electrical circuit when the pawl moves into the latched position. This inversion eliminates continuous spring pre-tensioning while maintaining reliable position detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical microswitch mechanism with a simpler spring-actuated electrical contact system. The spring directly closes an electrical circuit when moved by the pawl, eliminating the need for a complex microswitch mechanism and its associated pre-tensioned springs that are prone to fatigue.
2Reliability
If a spring is permanently pre-tensioned to activate the microswitch, then the detection function is maintained, but spring fatigue signs occur causing malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of permanent pre-tensioning, the spring is only activated periodically when the pawl moves between latched and unlatched positions. The spring remains in a relaxed state during normal operation and only exerts force when needed to close or open the electrical circuit, thereby avoiding cumulative fatigue damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the spring from a permanently pre-tensioned state to a dynamically activated state. The spring's force application is transformed from continuous to intermittent, based on the actual position change detection needs, thereby eliminating the harmful effects of permanent pre-tensioning.
3Loss of information
If the electrical circuit is closed when the door is closed, then position indication is provided, but the spring remains pre-tensioned reducing durability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the electrical circuit closure function from the door closure action itself. Instead of the circuit being closed simply because the door is closed (which would require permanent spring pre-tensioning), the circuit is closed only when the pawl specifically moves into the latched position, providing precise position information without continuous spring stress.
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 ensures reliable and durable detection of the latch position, preventing spring fatigue and allowing for controlled activation or deactivation of electrical drives or lighting, enhancing the latch mechanism's operational reliability and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
The detection device comprises a spring attached to the component. The spring opens or closes an electrical circuit when the component and the connected springs are moved.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a lock having a locking mechanism comprising a rotary latch and a pawl for locking the rotary latch in a locked position of the lock. An identification device for identifying a position of a moving component of the lock is provided. The identification device comprises a spring which is fitted to the component. The spring opens or closes an electrical circuit when the component and the spring which is connected to said component are moved. In this way, positions of the locking mechanism can be reliably determined, without having to worry about fatigue of the spring and associated problems.