Motor Vehicle Lock Rotary Latch Pawl Pivoting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle locks are heavy, have a high number of components, and require significant operating forces, which hinders weight reduction and ease of operation.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle lock design featuring a rotary latch with a pawl and blocking lever, where the pawl is arranged to receive torque from the rotary latch for easy opening, and a blocking lever ensures a secure locked state, reducing the number of components and actuation forces by allowing the pawl to pivot away from the rotary latch at an angle greater than 0°, and incorporating a release lever for low-force actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional motor vehicle lock with multiple pawls and blocking levers is used, then the locking mechanism is secure and reliable, but the device weight increases and the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple pawls (main pawl and pre-pawl) into a single integrated pawl structure. This single pawl performs both the main locking function and the pre-locking function, thereby reducing the total number of components and the overall weight of the locking mechanism while maintaining the security and reliability of the locking system.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pawl in the invention is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the main locking element and the pre-locking element. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate pawls, reducing component count and weight while ensuring that all necessary locking functions are preserved.
2Reliability
If a traditional motor vehicle lock with multiple pawls and blocking levers is used, then the locking mechanism is secure, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the main pawl and pre-pawl into a single integrated pawl structure. This consolidation reduces the number of discrete components in the locking mechanism from multiple separate pawls and blocking levers to a more compact design with fewer parts, thereby simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pawl is functionally segmented into different zones: one zone interacts with the main catch for primary locking, while another zone interacts with the pre-catch for pre-locking. This functional segmentation within a single physical component allows the system to maintain multiple locking functions without requiring multiple separate components.
3Ease of operation
If the pawl is designed to pivot away from the rotary latch at an angle greater than 0°, then the operating forces are reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the mechanism requires precise angular positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The pawl is designed with an asymmetric geometry relative to the rotary latch, creating a specific engagement angle greater than 0°. This asymmetric design allows the pawl to naturally pivot away from the rotary latch during operation, reducing the force required to actuate the locking mechanism. The precise angular positioning is achieved through the geometric constraints of the asymmetric shapes rather than requiring active control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the engagement parameter from a traditional 0° alignment to a specific non-zero angle. This parameter change optimizes the mechanical advantage during actuation, allowing the pawl to pivot more easily and reducing the operating forces required. The precise angle is determined by the geometric parameters of the pawl and rotary latch interfaces.
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 achieves a lightweight, compact lock with reduced operating forces, enhanced security, and improved ease of operation by minimizing the number of components and utilizing a spring-loaded pawl that pivots away from the rotary latch, preventing self-opening and allowing smooth movement between locked and open positions.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded pawl that pivots away from the rotary latch
Implementation Method 2
the pawl is arranged to receive torque from the rotary latch for easy opening
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for a motor vehicle lock (2) comprising at least one rotary latch (6), a locking latch (9), and a blocking lever (14), wherein the blocking lever (14) locks the locking latch (9) in a main locking latch engagement position (22) in the opening direction (25) of the locking latch (9), and the locking latch (9) is also rotated away from the rotary latch (6) by an angle a (23) relative to the main locking latch engagement position (22) during an opening motion (27) of the rotary latch (6), a closing motion (26) of the rotary latch, a pre-engagement position (40) of the rotary latch (6), and an open position (21) of the rotary latch (6), wherein the angle a (23) is always greater than 0°.