Modular Electric Component Carrier for Motor Vehicle Side-Door Locks

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Solution Overview

Problem

The production of electric component carriers for motor vehicle latches is costly due to complex designs, sensitive components, and multiple assembly steps, making it difficult and expensive to replace defective components and adapt to new latch designs.

Innovation Solution

A modular electric component carrier with a separate housing that can be fastened to the outer surface of the latch, containing electric components like conductors, switches, and a plug/socket system, eliminating the need for conductors in the latch housing and allowing for easy replacement and adaptation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electric components are integrated into the latch housing using traditional electric component carriers, then the latch can be equipped with necessary electric components, but the production cost becomes very high due to complex designs and multiple assembly steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional completenessVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The electric component carrier is divided into two separate parts: a housing part and a carrier plate part. These can be produced independently and then assembled together, simplifying the manufacturing process for each component while maintaining the complete functional assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing part and carrier plate part are combined through a snap-fit connection to form a complete electric component carrier assembly, integrating multiple functions (protection, mounting, and electrical connection) into a unified structure that can be produced more efficiently than traditional single-piece carriers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If sensitive electric components are mounted on traditional electric component carriers, then the latch can function properly, but replacing defective components becomes impossible or very complex and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent functionalityVSAvoidcomponent replaceability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier plate containing sensitive electric components is separated from the housing part, allowing the carrier plate to be independently removed and replaced without damaging or disassembling the housing structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier plate with electric components can be extracted from the housing part through the snap-fit connection, enabling easy removal and replacement of defective components while leaving the housing intact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If traditional electric component carriers are used in latch housing, then electric components can be integrated, but several production steps are required for mounting and aligning conductors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent integrationVSAvoidproduction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing part and carrier plate part are merged through a snap-fit connection that simultaneously achieves mechanical attachment and electrical connection, eliminating separate mounting and aligning steps required in traditional designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The snap-fit connection design enables self-alignment and self-securing of the carrier plate to the housing part during assembly, reducing the need for precise manual alignment and multiple production steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If individually adapted component carriers are produced for each new latch design, then the latch can be optimized for specific applications, but the production cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign adaptabilityVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The modular separation of housing part and carrier plate part allows different configurations to be achieved by combining standard components in different arrangements, reducing the need to produce entirely new custom carriers for each latch design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized snap-fit connection design and modular components can be used across different latch models and applications, allowing a single component carrier design to serve multiple functions and applications, thereby reducing production costs through economies of scale.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11834873B2Side-door lock for a motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2023.12.05 KIEKERT AG

AI summary

A motor vehicle lock includes at least one electric component carrier, and said electric component carrier is a modular element that includes at least one conductor, a switch and/or an additional component. The electric component carrier includes a separate housing and can be fastened to an outer surface of the motor vehicle lock.