Motor Vehicle Lock Inertia Delay Mechanism Crash Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing motor vehicle lock systems face challenges in ensuring timely and secure door closure during crashes, as there is a reaction time delay in blocking the pawl actuation due to the adjustment of crash elements, which can lead to undesired door opening.
Innovation Solution
The motor vehicle lock design incorporates a locking arrangement that is initially in a locked state without actuation, utilizing a delay mechanism based on the inertia of a control lever, with the control lever axis aligned parallel to the locking wedge entry direction to minimize crash-induced torque, and a resiliently bendable locking element for spring-driven unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a switchable locking arrangement with adjustable crash element is used, then crash safety is improved, but reaction time delay occurs due to element adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arrangement is pre-configured in a locked state during normal operation, so that in the event of a crash, the pawl is already blocked and no reaction time is needed. The crash element adjustment is performed in advance during normal locking operation, eliminating any delay when crash accelerations occur.
2Reliability
If the control lever axis is aligned parallel to the locking wedge entry direction, then the delay mechanism is protected from crash-induced torque, but the structure becomes more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The control lever axis is specifically oriented parallel to the locking wedge entry direction, creating a localized geometric property that prevents crash accelerations from generating torque on the control lever. This targeted orientation protects the delay mechanism while maintaining overall system functionality.
3Reliability
If the locking arrangement remains locked during normal operation, then crash safety is enhanced, but unlocking requires additional spring-driven mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arrangement operates in periodic cycles: during normal operation it maintains a locked state for crash safety, and during intentional unlocking it transitions to an unlocked state through spring-driven action. This periodic switching between locked and unlocked states allows the system to achieve both crash safety and controllability.
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 enhances crash safety by maintaining the lock in a secure state without adjusting elements, ensuring timely unlocking only when necessary, and allowing for a compact and flexible structure that effectively handles crash impacts.
Implementation Method 1
a delay mechanism based on the inertia of a control lever
Implementation Method 2
a resiliently bendable wire or strip... generating its pretension in the unlocked position by its own spring elasticity
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle locking member provided with a locking element latch and a stopping claw. The latch can swing to the opened position, the main closed position, and the necessarily pre-closed position around the axis of the latch. The vehicle locking member is arranged in the locking wedge entering direction. The stopping claw can be retrieved by an operation rod. A switchable locking assembly is provided, and the locking assembly is provided with a control rod capable of swinging around the axis of the control rod, and then the operation rod and the locking assembly can act together. The locking assembly is locked, when the operation rod is not used, and the locking assembly can be unlocked by the spring, after the operation rod is used. The pushing of the spring to unlock the locking assembly is behind the operation of the operation rod, which is determined by the inertia, when the operation speed of the operation rod is faster than the limit speed, and the axis of the control rod is arranged basically parallely to the locking wedge entering direction.