Motor Vehicle Lock Rotary Drive Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle locks, particularly door locks, face challenges in achieving a compact and cost-effective design that can efficiently control multiple security positions, such as locked/unlocked, anti-theft, and child-proof, often requiring complex mechanisms and additional motors, which increase design complexity and costs.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle lock utilizing a single rotary electric motor drive with a rotatable drive element that can move in both directions to control at least three security positions: locked, anti-theft, and child-proof, allowing independent engagement and disengagement of each position using a compact and cost-optimized structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple independent electric motors are used to control different security positions (locking, anti-theft, child-proof), then each security position can be reliably controlled, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by implementing a single electric motor that performs multiple functions: it controls the locking mechanism, anti-theft function, and child-proof function through different rotational directions and positions. The motor serves as a universal drive for all security positions, eliminating the need for separate motors for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple drive functions into a single integrated electric motor system. Instead of having separate motors for locking, anti-theft, and child-proof functions, the invention combines all these control functions into one motor that can operate in different modes (different rotational directions and positions) to achieve each security state.
2Ease of operation
If a linearly displaceable actuator is used to move the coupling element to different positions, then the security positions can be controlled, but the space requirement increases which is not available inside a motor vehicle lock
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional linearly displaceable actuator with a rotary electric motor system. Instead of using a linear mechanical actuator that requires significant space, the invention uses a compact rotary motor that achieves the same control functions through rotational movement, substituting a space-consuming linear mechanical system with a compact rotary electromechanical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by using a rotatable drive element that can dynamically change its rotational position and direction to control different security functions. The coupling element is moved dynamically through rotational motion rather than linear displacement, allowing for more compact and flexible control within the limited space of a motor vehicle lock.
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 solution enables reliable and efficient control of all essential security positions using a single rotary electric motor drive, ensuring a compact structure and low production costs, with the ability to maintain functionality even for rarely used positions over the vehicle's lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a rotary electric motor drive (1) for the locking mechanism, which is designed as a rotatable drive element (1) that can be acted upon in at least one direction of movement and an opposite direction of movement
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock, in particular a motor vehicle door lock, which is equipped with a locking mechanism consisting essentially of a rotary latch and a locking pawl. Furthermore, a rotary electric motor drive (1) is provided for the locking mechanism. The electric motor drive (1) has a rotatable drive element (1) that can be actuated in at least one direction of movement and an opposite direction of movement. At least one first locking position and one second locking position can be controlled by means of the drive element (1). According to the invention, the drive element (1) is additionally configured to control at least one further third locking position.