Motor Vehicle Latch Integrating Drive and Closing Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle locking systems and raising devices require a large number of components and significant installation space, which increases vehicle weight and reduces efficiency, while also complicating the integration of comfort functions like automatic door closure and opening.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle latch with a locking mechanism, drive device, and integrated closing device that uses a dual-function electric drive to unlock the latch and operate a coupling element, allowing for the reduction of components and installation space by sharing functions between the locking mechanism and raising device, with the closing device being either integrated into the latch or connected via a Bowden cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate locking mechanism and raising device are used, then functional reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking mechanism and raising device into a single integrated latch assembly. The electric motor serves dual purposes: unlocking the pawl from the catch and operating the coupling element for the raising device. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining both locking and raising functions, directly addressing the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric motor is designed as a multi-functional actuator that performs multiple tasks: it unlocks the locking mechanism by moving the pawl, and subsequently operates the coupling element to enable the raising device. This universal component approach reduces overall system complexity while preserving functional reliability through careful design of the motor's operational sequences.
2Reliability
If separate locking mechanism and raising device are used, then functional reliability is improved, but installation space and vehicle weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly integrates both the locking mechanism and raising device functions within a single housing structure. The electric motor, pawl, catch, and coupling element are arranged in a compact configuration that shares common structural supports and mounting points, significantly reducing the installation space required compared to separate systems while maintaining functional reliability.
3Device complexity
If dual-function electric drive is used, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision and operational reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically reconfigures the mechanical linkage between the electric motor and the latch components. Through the coupling element, the motor's rotational output is selectively transmitted to either the pawl (for unlocking) or the raising device (for opening). This dynamic switching mechanism allows a single motor to perform multiple functions with high precision and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the electric motor and the raising device. It receives rotational input from the motor and converts it into the appropriate linear or rotational motion for the raising device, while also serving as a decoupling point when the raising function is not needed. This intermediary protects the system's operational reliability by isolating the motor from conflicting mechanical loads.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for closing and opening a motor vehicle door and a motor vehicle latch having a locking mechanism with a catch and at least one pawl, wherein a rotary movement of the catch can be locked in at least one latching position by means of the pawl, a drive device, with which the pawl can be transferred from a latching position into a release position for the catch, and a closing device, by means of which the pawl can be transferred from a latching position into a release position for the catch, and a closing device, it being possible by means of the closing device to transfer the latch from a pre-ratchet position into a main ratchet position, and it being possible by means of the drive device to control a coupling element in such a way that the vehicle part can be set up by means of the closing device.