Double-Stroke Rotary Latch Release for Immediate Relocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional double-stroke locking systems experience a time delay in relocking the rotary latch due to dependency on the return speed of the unlocking mechanism.

Innovation Solution

A double-stroke locking system with a drive mechanism that allows for independent operation of the locking pawl, enabling immediate relocking after a first unlocking stroke by decoupling the drive mechanism from the locking pawl, and utilizing a blocking lever to maintain the locking position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the locking pawl is coupled to the drive mechanism for double-stroke operation, then the locking system can be opened from two positions, but the relocking speed is limited by the drive mechanism's return speed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedouble-stroke operation capabilityVSAvoidrelocking speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The locking system is divided into two independent functional parts: the drive mechanism for double-stroke operation and the locking pawl for immediate relocking. The locking pawl is decoupled from the drive mechanism's return motion, allowing it to operate independently and immediately relock the rotary latch without waiting for the drive mechanism to complete its full return cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A blocking lever is introduced as an intermediary component between the locking pawl and the rotary latch. This blocking lever can actively block the rotary latch from rotating back into the locking position, enabling the locking pawl to immediately secure the latch in the unlocked position without being constrained by the drive mechanism's slower return speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the drive mechanism completes a full return stroke, then the locking system returns to its initial state, but this causes time delay in emergency relocking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereturn to initial stateVSAvoidtime delay in relocking

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The locking pawl is positioned and spring-loaded in advance to be ready for immediate action. When the blocking lever releases the rotary latch, the locking pawl can instantly engage the latch in the unlocked position without waiting for the drive mechanism to complete its full return stroke to the initial state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static, synchronized operation where all components must return to initial positions, to a dynamic system where the locking pawl can act independently and immediately. The blocking lever provides dynamic control by selectively blocking or allowing rotary latch movement based on operational needs, enabling rapid response without completing full mechanical cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250354416A1Double-stroke locking system with quick release

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 AUDI AG

AI summary

A double-stroke locking system includes a rotary latch, a locking pawl and a drive mechanism. The rotary latch has a receiving region which is designed to receive a locking element, and the locking pawl is designed to lock the rotary latch in at least one rotational position. The locking pawl has an actuating lever and can be moved into an unlocking position or into a locking position by the actuating lever. The actuating lever can be connected to a drive mechanism and can be decoupled from the drive mechanism by performing a first unlocking stroke by the drive mechanism.