Motor Vehicle Lock Emergency Release via Rotary Latch Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle locking systems lack a simple and space-efficient emergency release function that can be easily integrated into existing designs, particularly in systems without lock cylinders, to facilitate unlocking during power failures or emergencies.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle lock with a rotary latch and pawl mechanism, utilizing a rotary latch spring as an energy store, where a release device actuated by the rotary latch spring allows conversion from a locked to an unlocked position, leveraging the stored energy to unlock the system, with the option for electrical actuation and use of a torsion spring for mechanical assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a motor vehicle lock uses an electric drive for unlocking, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates in case of power failure
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary latch spring is pre-loaded during normal operation to store mechanical energy in advance. This preliminary action ensures that when power failure occurs, the stored energy is immediately available to unlock the locking mechanism without requiring additional power or complex emergency systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own rotary latch spring, which normally serves to return the rotary latch to the open position, as an energy store for emergency unlocking. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate emergency power sources or complex mechanical backup systems.
2Reliability
If a mechanical energy store is added to provide emergency unlocking capability, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary latch spring performs dual functions: it returns the rotary latch to the open position during normal operation and serves as an energy store for emergency unlocking. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate emergency unlocking mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the normal operation spring mechanism with the emergency energy store function into a single integrated system. The rotary latch spring and its associated mechanical components serve both routine latch return and emergency unlocking purposes, simplifying the overall device structure.
3Reliability
If a separate emergency release mechanism is implemented, then the reliability during power failure is improved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes existing components (rotary latch spring, pawl, locking device) to provide emergency unlocking functionality without requiring separate emergency release mechanisms. This self-service approach reduces manufacturing complexity and costs while maintaining reliability.
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
Enables quick and efficient unlocking of the motor vehicle lock during power failures or emergencies using stored energy from the rotary latch spring, ensuring operational reliability and simplicity, even with minimal current availability, and allows for manual re-engagement of the lock mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a rotary latch spring (16), in that the rotary latch (12) is prestressed in the direction of an open position by means of the rotary latch spring (16)
Implementation Method 2
use of a torsion spring for mechanical assistance
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock (1) having an engaging mechanism (2) which comprises a rotary catch (12) and at least one pawl (11), the rotary catch (12) being engageable by means of the pawl (11) at least in a main securing position (13); a rotary catch spring (16), the rotary catch (12) being biased by means of the rotary catch spring (16) towards an open position; a locking device (4, 5), an actuation chain for unlocking the engaging mechanism (2) being lockable or unlockable by means of the locking device (4, 5); and a release device (3) for the rotary catch spring (16), the locking device (4, 5) being actuatable by means of the rotary catch spring (16) and after release of the rotary catch spring (16).