Motor Vehicle Lock Actuating Element Worm Contour

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing motor vehicle lock mechanisms require manual adjustment of the control shaft for various functional states, but the current design limits the pivoting range due to the implementation of an override function, making comprehensive manual adjustment difficult.

Innovation Solution

A longitudinally guided actuating element interacts with the control shaft's worm contour to enable full pivoting range adjustment, allowing for a worm gear-like mechanism that translates longitudinal movement into rotary motion, with a screw contour design providing a tailored gear ratio for comfort and precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a control shaft with worm contour is used for manual adjustment, then the override function is implemented, but the pivoting range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverride functionVSAvoidpivoting range
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating element is divided into two functional sections: a first section with a worm contour for engaging the control shaft's worm contour to enable manual pivoting, and a second section that interacts with the bending functional element to enable longitudinal adjustment. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both limited pivoting (for override function) and comprehensive longitudinal adjustment (for full functional range), resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the actuating element is guided longitudinally to enable full pivoting range, then comprehensive manual adjustment is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual adjustment rangeVSAvoidactuating element structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating element is designed as a multi-functional component that combines both pivoting engagement (via worm contour) and longitudinal adjustment capabilities within a single element. By guiding this universal element longitudinally in the direction of the control shaft's geometric axis, the system achieves comprehensive manual adjustment without requiring separate mechanisms for pivoting and positioning, thereby minimizing device complexity while maximizing operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution allows for comprehensive manual adjustment of the control shaft, enhancing the motor vehicle lock's operational flexibility and comfort during manual operation, while maintaining a compact design.

Implementation Method 1

A longitudinally guided actuating element interacts with the control shaft's worm contour to enable full pivoting range adjustment, allowing for a worm gear-like mechanism that translates longitudinal movement into rotary motion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWorm gear mechanism: Worm Drive

Implementation Method 2

with a screw contour design providing a tailored gear ratio for comfort and precision

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP2420642B1Motor vehicle lock
Publication Date: 2016.01.13 BROSE SCHLIESSSYSTEME GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2420642B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2420642B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2420642B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The motor vehicle lock comprises a control element arrangement (1), which is fitted with a drive motor (2) and a pivotable or rotatable control element (4) that downstream the drive motor. The control element is designed as a control shaft with an axial control section (5) for releasing control movements. An actuating element (9) is provided, which is longitudinally guided in the direction of the geometrical axis (4a) of the control shaft.