Lock Stator Protection Element Gimbal Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motor vehicle locks face issues with gimbal misalignment, poor maintenance under stress, and complex assembly due to the need for pre-assembling the universal joint with the rotor, which can lead to disassembly during vehicle vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A lock assembly featuring a protection element attached to the stator that covers the connection interface between the rotor and gimbal, ensuring proper alignment and preventing disassembly, while allowing simplified assembly and enhanced security by trapping the connecting rod.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an element is arranged around the rotor to cover the connection interface, then the connection between rotor and gimbal is protected, but the gimbal position becomes misaligned and the element is poorly maintained under stress
Solution Approach 1:
The lock body is divided into separate components: the stator with its housing, the rotor as a distinct rotating element, and the gimbal as a separate universal joint. The connection interface is defined by precisely machined surfaces on these segmented parts, allowing the protection element to cover the interface without interfering with the precise positioning of the gimbal relative to the rotor.
Solution Approach 2:
A protection element is introduced as an intermediary component that covers the connection interface between the rotor and gimbal. This element is configured to protect the connection without interfering with the precise positioning of the gimbal, as it is designed to fit over the interface while maintaining the required alignment tolerances.
2Reliability
If the universal joint is pre-assembled with the rotor, then disassembly during vibration is prevented, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The lock assembly is segmented into modular components that can be assembled in different sequences. The rotor, stator, and gimbal are designed as separate assemblies that interface through standardized connection interfaces, allowing flexibility in assembly order while maintaining connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection interface between the rotor and gimbal is designed with universal compatibility features, such as standardized mounting holes and alignment surfaces, that allow the components to be assembled in different sequences without requiring specialized pre-assembly procedures.
3Reliability
If the lock is stressed during rotor rotation, then the locking function is maintained, but the protection element covering the connection interface becomes poorly maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The protection element is designed to dynamically accommodate the stress and movement that occurs during rotor rotation. It is configured with sufficient clearance and flexibility to maintain coverage of the connection interface while allowing the rotor and gimbal to move under load without compromising the protection or the locking function.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~5c
AI summary
The invention relates to a lock (1) comprising a rotor (4) and a stator (5), said rotor (4) being disposed inside said stator (5) and configured to be movable in rotation about an axis of rotation (A) relative to the stator (5), the rotor (4) being configured to be connected to a lock (2) by a cardan (3) at the level of a linkage interface configured to receive one end of said cardan (3), in which the lock (1) has a protective element (7) fixed to said stator (5) and configured to cover at least in part the linkage interface of the rotor (4) with the cardan (3).