Motor Vehicle Lock Rotary Latch Dust Ingress Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locks experience increased opening forces due to dust accumulation between metallic locking surfaces, which can make it difficult to open the mechanism over time.
Innovation Solution
A lock design featuring a rotary latch and pawl with a narrow gap (preferably ≤0.1 mm) between locking surfaces and a contact surface component made of elastomer, which reduces dust ingress and friction, combined with a damping element to minimize dust penetration and operational forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metallic locking surfaces are pressed against each other for locking, then reliable locking is achieved, but dust accumulates between the surfaces causing increased opening forces
Solution Approach 1:
A dust-resistant material (such as a coating or intermediary layer) is introduced between the metallic locking surfaces to prevent dust accumulation while maintaining the locking function. This intermediary layer allows the metallic surfaces to remain pressed against each other for reliable locking while preventing direct contact between dust and the locking surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface properties of the locking surfaces are modified by changing material parameters (such as applying a dust-resistant coating or changing the material composition) to reduce dust adhesion. This allows the locking surfaces to maintain their metallic pressing contact while being resistant to dust accumulation that would otherwise increase opening forces.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the gap between locking surfaces is reduced to minimize dust ingress, then dust protection is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediary dust-resistant layer is introduced between the locking surfaces, which eliminates the need for extremely tight gaps. The intermediary material fills the space between surfaces and prevents dust ingress, allowing for more relaxed manufacturing tolerances while still achieving effective dust protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The approach changes from minimizing gap dimension to changing the material properties of the locking surfaces. By applying dust-resistant coatings or materials, the system achieves dust protection without requiring ultra-precise gap control, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a contact surface component is added to prevent dust ingress, then dust protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact surface component is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides dust protection, maintains the locking mechanism's operational surfaces, and can potentially serve as a sealing element. By making this component multi-functional, the overall device complexity is minimized while achieving effective dust ingress prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The dust protection function is merged with the existing locking mechanism components rather than adding a completely separate system. The contact surface component is integrated into the locking mechanism structure, combining dust protection with the locking function to minimize additional complexity.
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 effectively prevents dust accumulation, reducing the opening forces required to operate the lock and maintaining its functionality over time by minimizing dust ingress and enhancing the connection between locking surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a contact surface component with at least one contact surface on which the rotary latch rests or borders in the open and in at least one latched position
Implementation Method 2
a contact surface component made of elastomer
Implementation Method 3
a damping element to minimize dust penetration and operational forces
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention has the problem of supplying a lock in which an increase in opening forces is avoided. The lock supplied in order to solve the problem has a catch mechanism made up of a rotary latch and catch for latching the rotary latch. The rotary latch and catch have blocking surfaces for latching purposes. In the latched state, the blocking surface of the rotary latch rests on the blocking surface of the catch, and this prevents the rotary latch from being able to rotate in the direction of the open position. The lock also comprises a component with an abutment surface, against which the blocking surface of the rotary latch butts in the open position of the catch mechanism. First of all, this abutment prevents the situation where, in the open position, dust can pass onto the blocking surface of the rotary latch. In addition, the abutment reduces the penetration of dust into the catch mechanism. An increase in the opening forces as service life increases is thus avoided.