Multi-Pawl Lock Unit with Integrated Release Lever
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle lock units with multi-part latches face challenges in achieving high operating convenience and minimizing installation space while maintaining quiet operation.
Innovation Solution
A lock unit design featuring a catch with two pawls and a blocking lever, where the first pawl and second pawl are pivotably mounted on a common axis, and a release lever that pivots the blocking lever and second pawl in the same direction to facilitate quick and quiet operation, ensuring secure engagement and release with minimal movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a multi-pawl locking mechanism is used, then operational comfort and noise reduction are improved, but device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the blocking lever and release lever into a single integrated component that performs multiple functions. The release lever simultaneously controls the blocking lever and the second pawl, reducing the number of separate parts while maintaining the multi-pawl locking mechanism's operational comfort and noise reduction benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The release lever is designed as a multi-functional component that can pivot the blocking lever and the second pawl in the same rotational direction. This universal component handles multiple locking and releasing operations, simplifying the overall device structure while preserving the enhanced operational characteristics
2Ease of operation
If a multi-pawl locking mechanism is used, then operational comfort and noise reduction are improved, but installation area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the blocking lever and release lever into a single integrated component, reducing the overall footprint of the locking mechanism. This consolidation maintains the multi-pawl functionality while minimizing the installation area required in the motor vehicle door
3Productivity
If the release lever pivots the blocking lever and second pawl in the same direction, then operating speed and convenience are improved, but mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking lever and release lever are combined into a single multi-functional component that can pivot in the same rotational direction as the second pawl. This merging enables coordinated movement of multiple locking elements simultaneously, increasing operating speed while the integrated design keeps mechanical complexity manageable
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a lock unit (1) for a motor vehicle (2) comprising at least one catch (3) with a first position (4) and a primary position (5), a first pawl (6) with a pawl axis of rotation (7), which is engageable with the primary position (5), a second pawl (8) mounted on the pawl axis of rotation (7) and engageable with the first position (4), a blocking lever (9) with a blocking lever axis of rotation (10), which blocks the second pawl (6) when the first pawl (6) engages the catch (3), and a release lever (11) for pivoting at least the blocking lever (10), wherein the release lever (11) during the opening process interacts with the blocking lever (9) such that the first pawl (6) and the blocking lever (9) are pivoted in the same rotational direction (12).