Motor Vehicle Lock Catch Hook Pivoting for Compact Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle locks, particularly hood locks, face challenges with limited installation space and unsafe actuation paths, especially when trying to open the hood under high wind forces or unintentional unlocking scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A compact hood lock design featuring a rotary latch, pawl, and release lever, where the catch hook is pivoted into a lowered position to reduce installation space and allow for a single actuation path to open the lock holder, eliminating the need for a grip on the catch hook and ensuring secure hood closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the catch hook is manually moved out of the engagement region by a grip, then the hood can be opened, but the installation space is increased and the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the catch hook actuation function with the existing release lever mechanism. The release lever, when actuated, directly moves the catch hook out of engagement with the lock holder through a integrated mechanical linkage, eliminating the need for a separate grip mechanism. This merging of functions reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the two-stage opening capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The release lever is designed to perform multiple functions: it actuates the pawl to release the locking mechanism, and simultaneously actuates the catch hook to release the lock holder. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate manual gripping operations, reducing structural complexity while preserving operational safety.
2Reliability
If the catch hook is positioned in the engagement region, then the lock holder can be securely held, but the installation space is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The catch hook is designed to move in a vertical dimension (upward/outward movement) rather than requiring horizontal space. When actuated by the release lever, the catch hook pivots or translates vertically out of engagement with the lock holder, reducing the horizontal installation space footprint while maintaining secure holding capability during normal operation.
3Ease of operation
If a grip on the catch hook is provided for manual release, then the hood can be opened, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the catch hook release function into the existing release lever actuation mechanism. The release lever's movement is mechanically linked to the catch hook, so that a single actuation of the release lever accomplishes both the pawl release and the catch hook release. This eliminates the need for a separate grip component and its associated mounting hardware, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The release lever mechanism automatically actuates the catch hook as part of its own operation. When the user pulls the release lever, the mechanical linkage self-actuates the catch hook to release the lock holder without requiring any additional manual manipulation or separate grip operation. This self-service approach eliminates extra components and simplifies manufacturing.
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 design reduces installation space, enhances safety by requiring fewer actuations to open the lock, and provides a structurally simple and cost-effective solution for motor vehicle locks, ensuring the hood remains secure even under high wind conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The catch hook is held in the release position by means of the tilting spring
Implementation Method 2
the catch hook is held in the catch position by means of an over center spring
Data Source
AI summary
A bonnet lock comprising: a locking mechanism having a catch and at least one pawl; a lock holder; and a release lever; wherein the locked locking mechanism can be unlocked by means of the release lever, and wherein the lock holder can be transferred from a latching position into a support position after the release lever is actuated for a first time and the lock holder can be held in the support position by means of a safety catch, and the lock holder can be transferred into a release position after the release lever is actuated for a second time, wherein the safety catch can be pivoted in the latching position such that the safety catch can be pivoted into a lowered position with respect to a support position.