Lock Unit Multi-Part Pawl Spring Tension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock units for motor vehicle doors and hatches face challenges in reducing release forces, enhancing operational comfort, and minimizing noise, while also considering mass production costs and tight installation spaces, with a need for improved reliability and longevity.
Innovation Solution
A lock unit design featuring a catch with primary and first positions, a main pawl, a blocking pawl, and a first pawl, along with an elastic element providing tension between the blocking pawl and the first pawl, which is particularly effective in the open position, allowing for compact and quiet operation by transferring motion through the elastic element and ensuring secure positioning of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional lock unit with separate levers for different positions is used, then the locking mechanism is reliable, but the release forces are high and operational comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the main pawl and first pawl onto a single common axis of rotation, merging two previously separate lever systems into one integrated mechanism. This consolidation allows both pawls to be actuated simultaneously by a single operating lever, reducing the release forces required and improving operational comfort while maintaining reliable locking through the coordinated action of both pawls engaging their respective catches
2Reliability
If more components are added to improve reliability, then the locking mechanism becomes more reliable, but the device complexity increases and installation space requirements grow
Solution Approach 1:
By mounting both the main pawl and first pawl on a common axis, the patent reduces the number of separate actuation mechanisms while maintaining dual-pawl reliability. The shared axis and integrated lever system simplify the overall mechanism complexity compared to having completely separate lever systems, while the dual-pawl design ensures high locking reliability through redundant engagement points
Solution Approach 2:
The common axis serves multiple functions: it supports both the main pawl and first pawl, provides a single rotation point for the operating lever, and enables coordinated movement of both pawls. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining the reliability benefits of having two independent pawl-catch engagement systems
3Ease of manufacture
If the installation space is reduced for compact design, then the lock unit is more suitable for mass production, but the operational space for components is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the main pawl and first pawl onto a common axis, significantly reducing the installation space required compared to separate lever systems. This compact configuration allows both pawls to occupy a smaller radial and axial space while maintaining full operational functionality, making the lock unit more suitable for mass production and integration into space-constrained vehicle door assemblies
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the lock unit operates quietly, then the operational comfort is improved, but the friction and resistance forces increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated dual-pawl design on a common axis creates a more balanced and smoother operation compared to separate lever systems. The coordinated movement of both pawls reduces impact noises and operational disturbances, while the shared axis minimizes the number of separate bearing interfaces, thereby reducing overall friction forces and maintaining quiet operation
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 reduces noise and enhances operational reliability by providing a variable spring force, ensuring secure locking and easy detection of malfunctions, while maintaining a compact design suitable for mass production and long-term use in vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastic element which provides, at least part of the time, a tension between the blocking pawl and the first pawl, wherein the tension is the largest in the open position of the catch
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a lock unit (1) comprising at least one catch (2), wherein the catch (2) has a primary position (8) and a first position (9), a main pawl (3) having an axis of rotation (4), a blocking pawl (5), which blocks the main pawl (3) upon engagement with the catch (2), and a first pawl (6), which is rotatably disposed on the axis of rotation (4) of the main pawl and is engageable with the catch (2), wherein the lock unit (1) comprises at least one elastic element (7) that biases the blocking pawl (5) and the first pawl (6) against each other, at least part of the time, such that the tension between the blocking pawl (5) and the first pawl (6) is preferably the largest in the open position of the catch.