Spring-Assisted Motor Vehicle Lock Drive for High Sealing Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromotive drives for motor vehicle applications face challenges in overcoming high forces, such as door sealing pressures, which can overstress the drive or require expensive transmissions, especially due to aging-related changes in friction and sealing forces.
Innovation Solution
The use of a leg spring connected to the drive disk, which is tensioned in the initial position to provide additional spring energy aiding the drive movement, allowing the drive disk to overcome high forces and reduce the need for complex gearings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a high torque transmission is required to overcome door sealing pressures, then the opening function can be achieved, but the electric motor becomes over-stressed and expensive transmissions are required
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is pre-tensioned in the closed position to store elastic energy before the opening operation begins. This preliminary action allows the spring to release energy during the opening process, reducing the peak torque demand on the electric motor and eliminating the need for complex high-torque transmissions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static spring arrangement to a dynamic one where the spring tension varies with the drive disk position. The spring is most tensioned in the closed position and gradually releases energy as the drive disk rotates, creating a dynamic force profile that matches the opening requirements while protecting the motor.
2Device complexity
If the electric motor operates alone without spring assistance, then the construction is simple, but the motor requires high output rating to overcome aging-related increases in friction and sealing forces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the electric motor with a mechanical spring energy storage system into a hybrid drive unit. The spring component is integrated with the motor through the drive disk, creating a combined system where electrical and mechanical energy sources work together to reduce the motor's power requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring system serves multiple functions: it assists the motor during opening operations, provides a return force to the closed position, and compensates for aging-related increases in friction and sealing forces. This multi-functionality allows a single spring mechanism to address multiple performance requirements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If center-zero springs are used to return the drive to neutral position, then the return function is achieved, but the spring does not provide assistance during the opening operation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a center-zero spring that is relaxed in the neutral position and only acts during return, the invention inverts the spring's operational characteristics by pre-tensioning it in the closed position. This inversion allows the spring to provide useful opening assistance while still enabling automatic return to the closed position.
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
The spring-assisted design simplifies the electromotive drive construction, reduces costs, and allows for lower output motor ratings while effectively managing high door sealing pressures, enabling precise control of the drive disk position through current consumption monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
The spring is tensioned in the initial position or closed position of the drive disk such that when a functional element or a functional unit is actuated, starting from the initial position, the spring additionally outputs its spring energy and thus aids the drive movement
Data Source
AI summary
An electromotive drive for motor vehicle applications, in particular for applications for and in a motor vehicle lock. For this purpose, the drive is equipped with an electric motor, a drive disk which can be actuated by the electric motor and can be rotated about an axis, and at least one spring assigned to the drive. The spring transmits a force to the drive disk which aids the drive within the scope of the invention.