Motor Vehicle Lock Flexible Traction Ratchet Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle locks with worm gears are prone to premature failure, high production costs, and excessive operating noise due to the need for precise components and noise transfer.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle lock using a flexible traction means, such as a cable or belt, directly actuated by a motor to open the ratchet, eliminating the need for precision gears and reducing noise transfer, with a simple and durable design that includes a spring-driven reset mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a worm gear is used to actuate the ratchet, then the motor can open the ratchet, but the structure becomes complex, production costs increase, and premature failure occurs due to high precision requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the motor from the traditional worm gear mechanism and connects it directly to the ratchet via a flexible coupling. This removes the complex precision gear components while retaining the motorized actuation function, thereby reducing device complexity and production costs while avoiding premature failure associated with high-precision gearing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a flexible coupling as an intermediary element between the motor and the ratchet. This coupling transmits the motor's rotational motion to the ratchet without requiring precision gear engagement, thus simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining automated actuation capability
2Extent of automation
If a worm gear is used to transfer motor motion to the ratchet, then the ratchet can be opened, but operating noise increases due to noise transfer through the gear
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible coupling acts as a noise-isolating intermediary between the motor and ratchet. It transmits motion while dampening mechanical noise, thereby reducing the operating noise transferred to the lock mechanism while maintaining motorized actuation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible coupling element that can absorb and dampen vibrations and noise. This flexible component reduces the transmission of motor operating noise to the ratchet and surrounding components, creating a quieter operation
3Extent of automation
If a worm gear with precise components is used, then the motor can actuate the ratchet, but production costs increase due to high manufacturing precision requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the expensive precision worm gear components from the system and replaces them with a simpler direct motor connection via flexible coupling. This extraction of complex precision components significantly reduces manufacturing costs while preserving the motorized actuation function
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible coupling is a simpler, less expensive component compared to precision worm gears. While it may have shorter service life than precision gears, its low cost and ease of replacement make it an economical choice that reduces overall production costs
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 provides a durable, economical, and low-noise motor vehicle lock with reduced wear and no need for precise components, ensuring efficient operation and easy maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the ratchet can be opened against a spring force by the traction means
Implementation Method 2
the ratchet can be opened against a spring force by the traction means
Implementation Method 3
the reset force is produced by a spring which is present anyway and for example is assigned to the ratchet or a rocker arm
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle lock with a latch and an associated ratchet and a motor for opening the ratchet. The motor vehicle lock has a flexible traction device which directly or indirectly connects the motor to the ratchet and which is wound up by the motor for opening the ratchet and which can be unwound by spring force when the motor is turned off.