Motor Vehicle Lock Crash Element Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle locks do not adequately ensure that the crash element remains locked during crash accelerations without a reaction time delay, potentially allowing the pawl to lift out undesirably.
Innovation Solution
The crash element is kept in a locked position during normal operation and moved to an actuated position only when the pawl is lifted, utilizing an electric crash element drive and a controller that evaluates crash sensor data to prevent unintended activation, ensuring the pawl cannot be lifted during crashes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the crash element is made adjustable to block pawl actuation during crashes, then crash safety is improved, but a reaction time delay occurs between crash acceleration and pawl actuation blocking
Solution Approach 1:
The crash element is pre-positioned in a crash-ready state during normal operation, already configured to block pawl actuation immediately upon crash detection. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for adjustment during the crash event itself, removing the reaction time delay while maintaining crash safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The crash element's position is dynamically changed based on operational context: during normal operation it is positioned to allow free pawl actuation, but upon crash detection it is rapidly repositioned to block pawl actuation. This dynamic repositioning ensures both normal functionality and crash safety without delay.
2Reliability
If the crash element is constantly locked to prevent pawl lifting during crashes, then crash safety is improved, but the ability to open the door during normal operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The crash element transitions between two states: during normal operation it is positioned to allow free pawl actuation and door opening, but upon crash detection it is rapidly repositioned to block pawl actuation. This dynamic switching ensures both normal ease of operation and crash safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares the crash element in advance to block pawl actuation only when needed (upon crash detection), rather than maintaining a constant locked state. This preliminary anti-action prevents the harmful effect (pawl lifting during crashes) only when necessary, preserving normal door opening capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an electric crash element drive is added to adjust the crash element position, then flexibility and control are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical adjustment mechanism for the crash element is replaced with an electric drive system. This substitution provides more flexible and precise control of the crash element position while reducing mechanical complexity through the use of electric motors and electronic control instead of complex mechanical linkages and adjustments.
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
This design ensures the crash element is already locked during crashes, preventing the pawl from being lifted without any reaction time delay, and automatically returns to the locked position after use, enhancing crash safety and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a crash element drive, in particular an electric one, is provided for this purpose, by means of which the crash element can be moved into the actuating position
Implementation Method 2
a controller is provided with which, in one variant, the evaluation of a crash sensor is included in the activation of the crash element drive
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
AI summary
The lock has locking elements like lock latch (1) and lock pawl (2), in which the lock pawl is disabled in a user-side lock pawl operation, in normal operation. An adjustable crash element allows the pawl to operate freely in the actuating position. The crash element stands in normal operation outside the pawl for actuating predominantly or continuously, in the blocking position and is adjusted in the course of lock pawl operation, before digging the lock pawl from the locked position into the actuating position. An independent claim is included for a method for operating motor vehicle lock.