Motor Vehicle Lock Rotation-Lock Device Crash Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicle latches can accidentally open during a crash due to high accelerations, which is not prevented by existing blocking mechanisms that only block during high vehicle accelerations, potentially leading to unintended unlocking.
Innovation Solution
A latch with a rotation-lock device that includes blocking fingers and/or limit stops associated with the release and blocking levers, designed to prevent opening due to excessive accelerations, ensuring the locking mechanism remains secure even during impacts or momentum changes, and featuring a safety catch device with multiple blocking positions to account for bounce-back effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a blocking lever is used to block the pawl in detent position, then the locking mechanism can be secured against accidental opening, but the device complexity increases due to additional components needed to detect and respond to crash conditions
Solution Approach 1:
A blocking lever is introduced as an intermediary component between the pawl and the catch mechanism. This blocking lever can assume a blocking position to prevent the pawl from disengaging during normal operation, and can be pivoted out of the blocking position by the release lever when intentional opening is required. The blocking lever thus mediates between the automatic safety requirement and the manual opening requirement without requiring complex sensing systems.
2Reliability
If the blocking lever blocks only during high vehicle accelerations, then unintentional opening during crashes is prevented, but the blocking mechanism may not block during usual actuation allowing normal opening
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking lever is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to respond differently to different acceleration conditions. During high-g crash events, the blocking lever's inertia and spring-loaded positioning cause it to remain in the blocking position, preventing opening. During normal low-acceleration operation, the release lever can easily pivot the blocking lever out of its blocking position to allow intentional opening. This dynamic behavior automatically differentiates between crash and normal conditions without requiring sensors.
3Reliability
If a rotation-lock device with blocking fingers is added to prevent opening due to impact, then the locking mechanism becomes more secure during crashes, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation-lock device integrates multiple blocking functions into a unified mechanism. The blocking fingers are combined with the release lever and blocking lever assemblies, sharing common components and mounting structures. The blocking fingers on the release lever and blocking lever work together as a coordinated system rather than separate independent components, reducing overall complexity while maintaining comprehensive crash protection.
4Reliability
If multiple blocking positions are provided to account for bounce-back effects, then the latch remains secure under varying crash conditions, but the device complexity increases due to additional blocking positions
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking function is segmented into multiple discrete blocking positions along the arcuate path of the blocking lever. Each blocking position corresponds to a specific angular position where blocking fingers can engage with corresponding notches or surfaces. This segmentation allows the mechanism to provide targeted blocking at critical positions (including bounce-back positions) without requiring continuous complex control, as the blocking lever naturally assumes discrete positions based on the engagement geometry.
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 latch effectively prevents accidental opening during crashes by blocking the locking mechanism's opening movement due to high accelerations and bounce-back effects, ensuring the latch remains securely locked, while allowing normal operation without interference.
Implementation Method 1
a rotation-lock device (30) able to prevent opening of the locking mechanism as a result of an impact or a momentum
Implementation Method 2
The blocking lever must be pivoted or turned out of its blocking position so that the pawl can leave its detent position
Implementation Method 3
The catch can introduce an opening moment into the pawl, if it is in its detent position
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a lock, in particular for a door or opening element of a motor vehicle. In order to avoid the unplanned opening of the lock in the event of a crash, the invention proposes a lock with a locking mechanism comprising a rotary latch, a pawl for locking the rotary latch in a detent position, preferably a blocking lever for blocking the pawl in the detent position and a release lever for opening the locking mechanism, in particular by lifting the blocking lever out of the blocking position. The lock is provided with a rotation-lock device, by means of which an opening process of the locking mechanism caused by momentum or an impact can be prevented or blocked.