Sliding Door Locking Mechanism for Variable Door Lengths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding door locking systems for motor vehicles are not adaptable to different door lengths, leading to misalignment and ineffective door retention in the open position.
Innovation Solution
A locking system with a pivoting plate and rotatable hook, featuring an intermediate component that compensates for varying door lengths by allowing the hook to adjust its position relative to the locking mechanism, facilitated by a chamfer and inclined face guiding the locking member into engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed locking mechanism is used for sliding doors, then the locking system is simple in structure, but it cannot adapt to different door lengths resulting in misalignment between the locking mechanism and the hook
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is made dynamic through a pivoting plate that can rotate between at least two configurations, allowing the hook to adjust its position relative to the locking mechanism on the vehicle body. This dynamic adjustment enables the same locking system to accommodate different door lengths while maintaining proper alignment between the hook and locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
A pivoting plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the support and the hook. This intermediate element enables position adjustment by rotating between different configurations, thereby compensating for variations in door length and ensuring proper alignment without requiring complex redesign of the entire locking system.
2Reliability
If the locking mechanism position is fixed relative to the vehicle body, then the manufacturing and installation is simplified, but the hook fails to properly cover the locking mechanism when door lengths vary
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system incorporates a dynamically adjustable pivoting plate that rotates to different configurations based on door length, ensuring the hook always properly covers the locking mechanism. This dynamic adjustment maintains reliable door retention across various door lengths without requiring multiple fixed locking mechanism designs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a pivoting plate with multiple configurations is introduced to adapt to different door lengths, then adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting plate provides dynamic adaptability through rotation between at least two configurations, enabling the locking system to accommodate different door lengths. While this adds a moving part, the design keeps the complexity manageable by using a single pivoting element rather than multiple adjustable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting plate serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural connector between the support and hook, provides position adjustment for different door lengths, and ensures proper alignment of the hook with the locking mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a locking system (1) for a sliding movable panel of a motor vehicle, comprising a support (2) for connecting the sliding movable panel to a body structure of the vehicle and a hook (4) able to adopt a position for holding the movable panel and a position for releasing the movable panel. According to the invention, the locking system (1) comprises a plate (3) pivotably mounted on the support (2) so as to adopt at least two configurations, the hook (4) being rotatably mounted on the plate (3).