Preloaded Spring Actuating Device for Vehicle Locks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional actuating devices for electric vehicle locks may fail to open the locking mechanism in extreme situations such as accidents or extreme weather conditions, where increased forces are required, and may not function without a main power source.
Innovation Solution
A reusable actuating device with a preloaded spring that can be manually re-tensioned using a key, which provides additional force to open the locking mechanism, and includes a release device that can be actuated mechanically or electrically to assist in opening the lock, even in the absence of a main power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a conventional triggering mechanism is used to open the locking mechanism, then the device is simple and easy to operate, but it cannot provide sufficient force in extreme situations such as accidents or extreme weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is preloaded during normal operation to store energy, preparing the system in advance for extreme situations. This preliminary action ensures that when needed, the stored energy can be immediately released to provide the necessary additional opening force without requiring complex real-time energy storage mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The preloaded spring creates a counteracting force that opposes the locking mechanism's resistance. By pre-tensioning the spring, the system prepares an opposing force that can be released to counteract extreme locking forces, providing a simple yet effective solution to the force deficiency problem.
2Reliability
If the spring is made reusable by allowing manual re-tensioning with a key, then the device can be reused after extreme situations, but the operation becomes more complex and requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the user to manually re-tension the spring using a key after the spring has been depleted during an extreme situation. This self-service capability ensures the system can be restored and reused without requiring professional service or replacement, maintaining reliability while keeping the recharging process simple and user-friendly.
3Force
If the spring provides additional force to open the locking mechanism, then the opening force is sufficient in extreme situations, but the spring may fail or become depleted after use
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a recover and reuse cycle where the spring, after providing its additional force during an extreme situation, can be manually re-tensioned using a key. This discarding and recovering process allows the spring to be restored to its energy-stored state, enabling multiple uses and extending the duration of action without requiring replacement.
4Force
If a release device is added to control the spring, then the spring can be released to provide additional force, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release device is designed to serve multiple functions: it controls the release of the preloaded spring, manages the interaction between the spring and locking mechanism, and facilitates the manual re-tensioning process. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while still providing the necessary spring force control.
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 reliable opening of electric vehicle locks in extreme situations by providing increased force through the spring mechanism and allowing reactivation of the lock after use, ensuring operation even when the main power source is unavailable.
Implementation Method 1
The actuating device comprises a preloaded spring (16), which, by relaxing, is able to open an associated locking mechanism or at least contributes to the fact that an associated locking mechanism can open
Implementation Method 2
a preloaded spring which, by relaxing, is able to open an associated locking mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The aim of the invention is to be able to open a locking mechanism (1, 3) of an electrically actuated lock of a motor vehicle with sufficiently large force, without having to provide an excessively large electric motor (14) and/or an excessively large gearing transmission ratio for this purpose. In order to achieve the aim, an actuating device for opening the locking mechanism (1, 3) comprises a releasing mechanism (9, 11, 12, 13, 14), by means of which a locking mechanism (1, 3) can be opened by actuation of the actuating device. The actuating device comprises a preloaded spring (16, 38, 42), which, by relaxing, is able to open an associated locking mechanism or at least contributes to the ability to open an associated locking mechanism. A release device is provided, which can release the preloaded spring. If the preloaded spring is released, the spring relaxes and thus contributes to the ability of an associated locking mechanism to open by means of the spring force. Thus, a force or at least an additional force is provided by the spring, by means of which force a blocking lever of the locking mechanism is then moved out of the blocking position or a pawl (3) is then moved out of the locking position thereof. The actuating device is intended above all for extreme cases that rarely occur, such an accident in which the lock is deformed and thus the lock cannot be opened by means of typical force. If an extreme case nevertheless arises, an electrical drive (28) releases the preloaded spring, which then enables opening by means of increased force.