Preloaded Decoupling Mechanism for Rapid Separation Under Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing decoupling mechanisms for vehicle components fail to efficiently decouple under load conditions, particularly in situations requiring rapid separation, such as accidents.
Innovation Solution
A decoupling mechanism featuring a locking element with a locking shaft and a drive unit, such as a gas generating unit, that applies a compressive force to accelerate the locking element into a guide space, enabling quick and safe separation of connected components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a conventional locking mechanism is used to connect components, then the connection is stable and secure, but the decoupling process is slow and inefficient, especially under load conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is pre-loaded by a force accumulator (spring) in the locked position, storing energy ready for rapid release. When decoupling is triggered, this pre-stored energy immediately propels the locking element out of the locking recess, enabling fast decoupling without requiring external force to overcome the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic decoupling process through the gas generation unit. The gas pressure dynamically propels the locking element through the guide space, enabling rapid movement and decoupling. The collar with sliding layer also introduces dynamic friction reduction during the movement process.
2Ease of operation
If a locking mechanism with high connection strength is used, then the components remain securely connected, but the force required to decouple them under load becomes excessively high
Solution Approach 1:
The force accumulator pre-loads the locking element with a spring force that maintains secure connection during normal operation. When decoupling is needed, this pre-stored mechanical energy automatically provides the force needed to overcome the locking strength, eliminating the need for high external decoupling effort even under load.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual or mechanical decoupling process is replaced by a gas generation system. The gas pressure directly acts on the locking element to propel it out of the locking recess, substituting the need for high external mechanical force with a controlled gas pressure system that provides rapid and easy decoupling.
3Reliability
If a simple locking structure is used, then the device complexity is low, but the decoupling process cannot be completed rapidly or reliably under various conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the locking element with collar for connection, the guide space with opening for controlled movement, the force accumulator for energy storage, and the gas generation unit for rapid decoupling. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function reliably while maintaining overall system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide space acts as an intermediary that guides and constrains the movement of the locking element during decoupling. The collar with sliding layer serves as an intermediary that reduces friction between the locking element and guide space walls. These intermediary elements ensure reliable and smooth decoupling without requiring overly complex mechanisms.
4Loss of time
If the locking element is held firmly in the locked position, then the connection is secure, but the time required to initiate decoupling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force accumulator continuously pre-loads the locking element with spring force in the locked position, storing mechanical energy ready for immediate release. This eliminates the time delay that would otherwise be required to build up sufficient force to overcome the locking mechanism, as the force is already prepared and stored.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains a periodic state where the locking element is held in the locked position by the force accumulator during normal operation. When decoupling is triggered, the gas generation unit creates a sudden pressure impulse that rapidly overcomes the locking force and propels the locking element out, enabling quick transition from locked to decoupled state.
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 rapid and reliable decoupling of vehicle seat components, facilitating quick release and alternative kinematics to control occupant position, with modular design suitable for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
the gas generation unit (148.1) acts with a high pressure (tensile force) in a short time directly or indirectly on the locking element (130)
Implementation Method 2
The gas generation unit can be designed as a pyrotechnic gas generator, in particular a pyrotechnic propellant or pyrotechnic drive
Implementation Method 3
the locking element is preloaded by means of a force accumulator (138) for lockingly connecting the two components (124, 126)
Implementation Method 4
an outer collar representing the outer circumference, in particular its outer side, is provided with a sliding layer or formed from a lubricant, in particular a corresponding lubricious material
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a decoupling mechanism (120) for two detachably connected components (124, 126). The decoupling mechanism (120) comprises at least one decoupling module (128) with a locking element (130) that detachably connects the two components (124, 126) and has a locking shaft (132), characterized in that the decoupling module (128) comprises a locking housing (134) with a guide space (136) in which the locking element (130) is movably mounted and pre-tensioned in a connected state (200) of the two components (124, 126) by means of a force storage device (138) for locking the two components (124, 126), wherein the guide space (136) has an opening (144) in a housing base (140) for a shaft end (142) of the locking element (130), through which the shaft end (142) is in the connected state (200) protrudes at least partially from the locking housing (134),to connect the two components (124, 126) in a locked manner, wherein the locking housing (134) for a drive unit (148) has a receiving space (146) which is coupled to the guide space (136), or the drive unit (148) is directly or indirectly coupled to the locking element (130) in order to exert a pressure force on the locking element (130) when the drive unit (148) is triggered or ignited, so that the locking element (130) accelerates into the guide space (136) and decouples the two components (124, 126) from each other.