Motor Vehicle Lock Self-Locking Mechanism Simplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle locks with pawl mechanisms require complex mechanisms and additional components to transition between closed positions, making them difficult to open and potentially prone to unexpected movements.
Innovation Solution
A motorized lock system with an upwardly projecting stop and a bracket that moves against the stop to transition from the first position to the primary position, minimizing components and allowing for easier door closure, and incorporating a guide and microswitches to control the movement and prevent automatic closing during emergencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a blocking lever with spring bias is used to prevent unexpected pawl movement, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the blocking lever and the first-position pawl into a single integrated component. The blocking lever is formed as one piece with the first-position pawl, eliminating the need for separate components while maintaining the blocking function. This merging reduces device complexity while preserving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated blocking lever/pawl component serves multiple functions: it blocks unexpected pawl movement when the catch is locked, and it also engages with the catch to prevent rotation in the unlocking direction. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the locking mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If a motorized bracket moves against a stop to transition between positions, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is integrated with the first-position pawl to form a single component. This merging eliminates the need for separate motorized bracket and pawl components, reducing device complexity while maintaining the motorized transition capability between first and primary positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated bracket/pawl component performs multiple functions: it provides motorized movement between positions, acts as a blocking lever, and engages with the catch. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If multiple pawls and blocking levers are used to control catch positions, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the blocking lever and first-position pawl into one integrated component that can be actuated by a single driver. This integration simplifies the unlocking operation while maintaining reliable position control through the combined blocking and engaging functions of the integrated component.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a lock for a motor vehicle with a locking mechanism including a catch and a pawl. The object of the invention is to simplify the locking of a lock of the type mentioned above. To achieve the object of the invention, a catch of the claimed lock comprises a stop projecting upwards, e.g., in the form of a pin extending from the catch. Furthermore, a bracket is provided, which can be moved against the stop by means of a motor such that the catch is moved in this way from the first position and into the primary position. It is thus possible to move from the first position to the primary position in a motorized manner, which makes it easier to close the vehicle door.