Motor Vehicle Lock With Crash-Activated Mechanical Opening
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle locks with electric motor drives fail to open during a crash when locked and power is lost, posing a safety risk as doors cannot be unlocked, especially in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle lock design featuring a coupling element in two parts, comprising a coupling lever and a transmission lever, which is disengaged during normal operation and engages only in a crash using an inertia element to allow mechanical opening via an actuating lever chain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the coupling element is engaged during normal operation to allow mechanical opening, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because the locking mechanism may open unintentionally during a crash
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element's engagement state is made dynamic rather than static. During normal operation, it is disengaged to prevent unintentional opening, but during a crash, the inertia element causes it to engage automatically, enabling mechanical opening when needed for safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the engagement parameter of the coupling element based on acceleration conditions. Under normal acceleration, the coupling element remains disengaged, but when crash acceleration exceeds a threshold, it transitions to an engaged state, changing the operational parameter of the locking mechanism.
2Reliability
If the coupling element is disengaged during normal operation to prevent unintentional opening, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because mechanical opening becomes impossible when locked
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element transitions from a static disengaged state to a dynamic system that can engage when needed. The inertia element acts as a trigger that changes the state from disengaged (normal operation) to engaged (crash condition), enabling mechanical opening only when safety requires it.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines when mechanical opening is needed without external input. The inertia element senses crash conditions and self-activates the coupling element engagement, making the system self-regulating based on acceleration thresholds.
3Productivity
If an electric motor drive is added for motorized opening, then the productivity is improved, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases when power is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element acts as an intermediary that bridges the electric motor drive and the mechanical opening mechanism. When power is available, the motor drives the mechanism; when power is lost, the coupling element can engage to allow direct mechanical operation, serving as a mediator between electrical and mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters based on power availability. When power is present, the electric motor provides fast opening; when power is lost, the coupling element engages to enable manual mechanical opening, adapting the system's operational mode to available resources.
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
Ensures the vehicle door can be opened mechanically even when locked and power is lost, providing a backup solution for emergency access during crashes.
Implementation Method 1
an inertia element is additionally provided for acting on the coupling element at least in the event of a crash
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock, in particular a motor vehicle door lock, which is equipped with a locking mechanism (1, 2) essentially consisting of a rotary latch (1) and a pawl (2). Furthermore, an actuating lever chain (6, 7, 8, 9) for the locking mechanism (1, 2) is provided. The actuating lever chain (6, 7, 8, 9) has at least one actuating lever (6), a coupling element (7, 8), and a trigger lever (9) on the locking mechanism side. Furthermore, an inertia element (10) is also provided for acting on the coupling element (7, 8) at least in the event of a crash. According to the invention, the coupling element (7, 8) is disengaged during normal operation and is only engaged in the event of a crash by means of the inertia element (10).