Motor Vehicle Locking Device Transverse Spring Force Rattle Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Locking devices for motor vehicles often produce rattling noises due to vibrations transmitted to the locking pin when the vehicle is in operation, especially when the locking pin is in the unlocked position, which can lead to background noise issues.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a spring element that applies a holding force transversely to the locking pin, preventing its mobility and thus reducing rattling by contacting a guide wall in the guide receptacle, and optionally introducing an axial force to further stabilize the pin, thereby minimizing relative movement between the pin and the guide housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the locking bolt is allowed to have mobility transverse to the stroke direction within the guide housing, then the locking device is easier to manufacture and assemble, but vibrations are transmitted to the locking bolt causing rattling noises
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is pre-loaded to continuously press the locking bolt against the guide wall before vibrations occur, establishing a pre-compression state that prevents rattling noises from the outset
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element changes the physical state of the locking bolt by applying continuous elastic force, transforming the bolt from a loosely fitted component to one that is continuously pressed against the guide wall, thereby eliminating play and rattling noises
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the spring element applies holding force to the locking bolt in the unlocked position, then rattling noises are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element serves multiple functions: it applies holding force to prevent rattling in the unlocked position, maintains continuous contact between the locking bolt and guide wall, and simplifies the overall structure by integrating vibration damping into a single component
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element automatically adjusts to the locking bolt's position and continuously applies holding force without requiring external control systems, making the system self-regulating and reducing overall complexity
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 spring element effectively reduces or eliminates rattling noises and enhances the locking mechanism's stability, providing improved noise reduction and security against unauthorized access.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element for applying a holding force to the locking bolt at least in one direction transverse to the stroke direction
Implementation Method 2
the spring element has a contact section which, in the unlocked position of the locking bolt, elastically contacts a retaining section of the locking bolt
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a locking device (100) for locking a functionally essential component (101) of a motor vehicle, in particular a steering spindle, which is designed with a guide housing (10) in which a guide receptacle (11) for a locking bolt (20) is formed, in which the locking bolt (20) is movably received along a stroke direction (H) between a locking position (VP) for locking the functionally essential component (101) and an unlocking position (EP) for releasing the functionally essential component (101), and a spring element (30) for applying a holding force (F) to the locking bolt (20) at least in one direction (Q) transverse to the stroke direction (H).According to the invention, the spring element (30) has a contact section (31) which, in the unlocking position (EP) of the locking bolt (20), elastically contacts a retaining section (21) of the locking bolt (20), whereby the spring element (30) supports the retaining force (F) via the locking bolt (20) on a guide wall (12) in the guide receptacle (11).