Motor Vehicle Lock Sensor Arrangement for Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle locking systems require multiple sensors and levers to detect the position of the rotary latch and pawl, leading to increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle lock with a sensor arrangement comprising a fixed sensor and sensing elements on both the rotary latch and pawl, allowing for the detection of multiple positions of the locking mechanism using a single sensor, including pre-locking, primary locking, and open positions, with optional tactile interaction and a control unit for diagnostics and actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and levers are used to detect rotary latch and pawl positions, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions into a single sensor unit. The sensor detects both the rotary latch position and pawl position simultaneously by evaluating different signal patterns from the same sensing element, eliminating the need for separate sensors and levers for each detection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The single sensor is designed to perform multiple detection functions: it detects the rotary latch position, the pawl position, and can identify intermediate states. This multi-functional approach allows one sensor to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized sensors and mechanical levers.
2Loss of information
If additional levers are added to actuate microswitches for position detection, then position information is improved, but constructional outlay increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical lever-microswitch system with a sensor-based detection system. Instead of using mechanical levers to actuate microswitches for detecting pawl and rotary latch positions, the sensor directly detects the positions by sensing the magnetic or electromagnetic fields associated with these components, eliminating the need for intermediate mechanical transmission elements.
3Device complexity
If a single sensor with multiple sensing elements is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to detect all locking positions must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor incorporates multiple sensing elements that are spatially segmented and positioned to detect different components (rotary latch and pawl) at different locations. Each sensing element is responsible for detecting specific positions, and the control unit integrates these segmented detection results to determine the overall locking state, ensuring all positions are reliably detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor arrangement acts as an intermediary between the mechanical locking components and the control unit. It translates the physical positions of the rotary latch and pawl into electrical signals that the control unit can evaluate, maintaining reliable detection of all locking scenarios while keeping the physical structure simple.
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 solution enables precise detection of locking positions, reduces the need for additional sensors and levers, and enhances reliability by allowing for the detection of all locking scenarios, including incomplete closures, while maintaining a compact and structurally simple design.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor arrangement comprises a fixed sensor and at least one sensing element disposed on the rotary latch, or vice versa, wherein the sensor generates at least two different signals associated with the presence and absence of the sensing element in the region of influence of the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle lock for a movable part of a vehicle, comprising a locking mechanism consisting of at least one pawl and one rotary latch, and comprising a sensor arrangement that is assigned to the locking mechanism and has a fixed sensor and a sensing element that is disposed on the rotary latch, or vice versa, wherein the sensor generates at least two different output signals associated with the presence and absence of the sensing element in the region of influence of the sensor.