Motor Vehicle Lock with Integrated Bowden Cable Drive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle locking systems lack simplicity and comfort in operation, particularly in remote actuation and anti-theft functionality, with Bowden cables being used but not fully leveraging their potential for enhanced control and security.

Innovation Solution

A locking device incorporating an actuating lever, a lock, and a Bowden cable with an integrated functional unit featuring an electric drive, allowing for independent locking/unlocking and anti-theft functionality through various initialization methods, including sensors, remote controls, and haptic feedback mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a Bowden cable is used to actuate a lock remotely, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for integration of functional units and electric drives

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote actuationVSAvoidintegration of functional unit

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functional unit with the Bowden cable assembly, integrating the electric drive and control functions directly into the cable system. This merging allows remote actuation while managing complexity through consolidation of components rather than separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The functional unit integrated into the Bowden cable serves multiple functions: it can actuate the lock, provide anti-theft locking, and enable remote operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems, thereby managing overall device complexity while improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If an anti-theft lock is integrated into the Bowden cable, then the security is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to additional initialization requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanti-theft functionalityVSAvoidinitialization process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by requiring the user to manually actuate the Bowden cable a specific number of times before the anti-theft lock engages. This preliminary action sequence simplifies the overall operation by establishing a clear, intuitive pattern rather than requiring complex electronic initialization procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The anti-theft lock mechanism is self-actuating through the Bowden cable's own movement. The functional unit automatically engages the anti-theft lock after detecting the predetermined number of actuations, eliminating the need for separate electronic initialization or additional user actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If the Bowden cable is split and has a clip fixed to the core, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for precise positioning and retention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration of functional unitVSAvoidpositioning and retention structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The Bowden cable is segmented into distinct parts with the clip fixed to the core at specific locations. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and assembly of the functional unit while the retention structure, though present, is simplified through the use of standard clips and positioning features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If the functional unit inhibits the Bowden cable mobility to prevent opening, then the security is improved, but the ease of operation worsens when legitimate access is needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelock preventionVSAvoidlegitimate access

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically transitions between two states: a locked state where the functional unit inhibits Bowden cable mobility to prevent unauthorized opening, and an unlocked state where the cable can be actuated normally for legitimate access. This dynamic behavior is achieved through the electric drive that can either engage or disengage the locking mechanism based on operational context.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution enhances the comfort and security of motor vehicle locking systems by simplifying operation, enabling independent lock actuation, and integrating anti-theft features, while maintaining a cost-effective and compact design.

Implementation Method 1

The Bowden cable sleeve... acts as a counter bearing for the force transmission

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a functional unit, which is arranged on the Bowden cable and has an electric drive

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11536057B2Motor vehicle lock

Publication Date: 2022.12.27 KIEKERT AG

AI summary

A locking device for a motor vehicle includes an actuating lever, a lock and at least one Bowden cable, which is arranged between the actuating lever and the lock, wherein the lock can be actuated by means of the actuating lever and with the help of the Bowden cable and a functional unit, which is arranged on the Bowden cable and has an electric drive, and wherein the lock can be actuated by means of the functional unit at least in an assisting manner or an actuation can be prevented.