Motor Vehicle Lock Coupling for Theft-Proof Pawl Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing motor vehicle locks face operational reliability issues due to potential errors in tracking mechanical lock states, particularly when the lock mistakenly remains in a 'theft-proof' state after a power failure, rendering manual release of the locking pawl impossible.
Innovation Solution
The locking mechanism is designed such that motorized lifting of the pawl from a 'theft-proof' state automatically adjusts the lock mechanism to a 'locked' state, ensuring operational reliability by allowing manual release from the inside while preventing external access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lock mechanism remains in a control-related lock state after power failure, then the electronic memory maintains the lock state, but the mechanical lock state may not match, compromising operational reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the mechanical lock state is continuously monitored and fed back to the control device. The control device compares the control-related lock state with the actual mechanical lock state detected by sensors. When a discrepancy is detected (e.g., after power failure), the system automatically adjusts the mechanical lock state to match the control-related state, ensuring operational reliability without manual intervention.
2Ease of operation
If the lock mechanism is equipped with mechanical redundancy for manual opening, then emergency opening is enabled, but the complexity of the lock mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a unified lock mechanism. The same mechanical components serve both the primary locking function and the emergency manual opening function. The control device manages multiple lock states (locked, unlocked, theft-proof) using a single integrated system, eliminating the need for separate mechanical redundancy systems and reducing overall complexity while maintaining ease of operation during emergencies.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lock mechanism uses a switchable clutch arrangement for selective transmission of manual actuation forces, then different lock states can be set, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic clutch arrangement that can switch between different transmission states based on control signals. The clutch mechanism is designed to be actuated by the control device to selectively connect or disconnect the manual actuation force transmission path. This dynamic switching capability enables the lock mechanism to adapt between different operational modes (normal operation, emergency opening, theft-proof mode) using a single versatile mechanism rather than multiple fixed mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock with the locking elements latch (1) and locking pawl (2), wherein the latch (1) is pivotable into a closed position in which it engages a locking wedge (3) or the like, and into an open position in which it releases the locking wedge (3) or the like, wherein the locking pawl (2) is pivotable into a retracted position in which it holds the latch (1) in a closed position, and into a disengaged position in which it releases the latch (1), wherein a drive train (4) for motorically disengaging the locking pawl (2) with an electric opening drive (5) is provided, wherein a lock mechanism (16) is provided which, in the assembled state, serves for the manual disengagement of the locking pawl (2) from the outside and from the inside via an external door handle (12) and an internal door handle (13).and wherein the lock mechanism (16) has a switchable coupling arrangement (17) for transmitting manual actuating forces and can thereby be brought into the mechanical locking states "unlocked", "locked", and "theft-proof", wherein the locking pawl (2) can be manually lifted from the outside and inside in the "unlocked" lock state, not from the outside but from the inside in the "locked" lock state, and neither from the outside nor from the inside in the "theft-proof" lock state. It is proposed that the locking pawl (2) or the drive train (4) be coupled or coupled to a control element (18) of the lock mechanism (16) such that, from the "theft-proof" lock state, the motorized lifting of the locking pawl (2) causes the lock mechanism (16) to be moved into the "locked" or "unlocked" lock state.