Spindle Drive Integrated Locking Device

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Spindle drives for vehicle doors and windows with integrated locking mechanisms face challenges in reducing space requirements and part count while maintaining low costs and maintenance, as existing solutions often require significant space for locking mechanisms and can be costly and complex.

Innovation Solution

A spindle drive design featuring a rotatable spindle with a displaceable spindle nut that incorporates a ball carrier with a receiving opening and a locking sleeve, which engages with a stationary catch sleeve to provide a compact, form-fitting lock, reducing installation space and part count, and utilizing a spring-based mechanism for easy operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional locking mechanism with a rotary bolt is used, then the locking function is achieved, but the installation space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking functionVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is merged with the spindle nut, where the locking sleeve is integrated into the ball carrier that is part of the spindle nut assembly. This combination eliminates the need for a separate rotary bolt mechanism, achieving the locking function while significantly reducing the installation space required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking sleeve is nested within the ball carrier structure, and the ball element is nested within the receiving opening of the ball carrier. This nested arrangement allows the locking components to be compactly organized within the existing spindle nut volume, minimizing the additional space required for the locking function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If a separate locking mechanism is added to the spindle drive, then the locking function is provided, but the number of parts and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking functionVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The spindle nut is given multiple functions: it provides the driving connection to the door element and simultaneously houses the locking device. The ball carrier serves both as a connection element and as the mounting structure for the locking sleeve, reducing the overall number of parts needed in the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If a rotary bolt locking mechanism is used, then the locking function is achieved, but the cost of the spindle drive increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking functionVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If a motor brake is used for locking, then the locking function is provided, but the load on the drive unit increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking functionVSAvoidload on drive unit

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical brake system is replaced with a passive mechanical locking device that uses spring-loaded ball elements and a locking sleeve. This substitution eliminates the need for motorized braking, reducing the electrical and mechanical load on the drive unit while providing reliable locking through pure mechanical engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3642439B1Spindle drive with integrated locking device

Publication Date: 2021.06.02 GEBR BODE GMBH & CO KG

Figure 1~2
Figure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a spindle drive (10) for an element to be driven, particularly a door and/or a window element of a vehicle, having integrated locking for locking the element to be driven, comprising a spindle (12) formed in a longitudinal direction and having a spindle nut (16) disposed on the spindle (12) and which may be displaced between an opening position and a closing position, wherein the spindle nut (16) carries a locking device (20) which, in the closed position, is in engagement with a capture sleeve (22) which is arranged in a fixed position and with which the locking device may be interlocked.