Modular Motor Vehicle Door Lock with Retrofitted Security Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle door locks with complex security devices are costly and prone to malfunctions, noise, and susceptibility to dirt and humidity, with different designs required for various vehicle types leading to inefficiencies in production and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A modular motor vehicle door lock design featuring a base module with a locking mechanism, actuating lever chain, and locking unit, optionally equipped with a retrofitted security device as an anti-theft module, allowing for selective operation and cost savings by standardizing the base module across all doors and omitting unnecessary components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex security device with motor and actuator is integrated into the door lock, then the door lock provides reliable anti-theft functionality, but the device complexity increases and production costs rise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanti-theft functionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The door lock system is divided into two independent modules: a base module containing the locking mechanism and an optional security device module containing the motor and actuator. This segmentation allows the security device to be added only when needed, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining anti-theft functionality where required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base module is designed with universal compatibility to work with both security device-equipped and security device-free configurations. The mounting structure and coupling mechanisms are standardized across all door lock variants, allowing a single base design to serve multiple application scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a security device with motor is integrated into the door lock, then the door lock provides anti-theft functionality, but noise is generated during operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanti-theft functionalityVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The noisy motor and actuator components are extracted into a separate, easily removable security device module. This isolation allows the noise-generating components to be positioned away from the main locking mechanism and vehicle interior, reducing perceived noise levels while preserving anti-theft functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If a complex security device is integrated into the door lock, then the door lock provides anti-theft functionality, but susceptibility to dirt and humidity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanti-theft functionalityVSAvoidsusceptibility to dirt and humidity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the electronic motor components from the mechanical locking mechanism into distinct modules, the security device module can be independently sealed and protected against environmental factors. This segmentation allows targeted protection strategies for each module's specific vulnerability profile.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sensitive electronic components are extracted into a separate module that can be independently protected with sealed housings and protective coatings, isolating them from the harsh automotive environment while maintaining their anti-theft functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If different door lock designs are required for various vehicle types, then specific vehicle requirements are met, but production efficiency decreases and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevehicle type adaptabilityVSAvoidproduction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The base module is designed with universal mounting interfaces and standardized dimensions that allow it to be installed in multiple vehicle types without modification. The optional security device module can be added or omitted based on specific vehicle requirements, enabling a single base design to serve multiple applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system configuration is made dynamic and adaptable through the optional security device module that can be selectively installed or removed. This allows the same base module to be configured for different vehicle types and security requirements, improving production efficiency while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10815706B2Motor vehicle door lock and method for selectively operating a motor vehicle door lock with or without a security device

Publication Date: 2020.10.27 KIEKERT AG

AI summary

The invention relates to a motor vehicle door lock which is equipped with a locking mechanism (1, 2) consisting of essentially a rotary latch (1) and a pawl (2), in addition to an actuating lever chain (4) and a locking unit (5, 6). Said motor vehicle door lock also comprises a security device (8, 9, 10) which can optionally set the actuating lever chain (4) and/or the locking unit (5, 6) in a non-functioning state/functioning state. According to the invention, said security device (8, 9, 10) is designed as a retrofitted module (8, 9, 10) which can be connected, according to requirements, to a base module (1-6 and 11), said module surrounding the largest part of the locking mechanism (1, 2), the actuating lever chain (4) and the locking unit (5, 6).