Motor Vehicle Tailgate Lock Noise Reduction via Rotary Latch Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle locks, particularly tailgate locks, face challenges in achieving noise-free unlocking with complex and space-intensive constructions, which are not always feasible.

Innovation Solution

A motor vehicle lock design featuring a rotary trap, blocking jack, and a clutch member with swiveling storage points for the coupling rod and blocking jack, allowing for a compact and cost-effective structure that enables continuous opening and minimizes noise through a translation ratio and adjustable translation relationship.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If existing locking mechanisms are used to secure movable parts, then secure locking is achieved, but opening noise occurs due to pawl disengagement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening noiseVSAvoidsecure locking
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The seal pressure is reduced before the pawl disengages from the rotary latch by continuously following the rotary latch's opening movement. This preliminary reduction of sealing pressure prevents the sudden release that causes opening noise, while the locking mechanism maintains secure locking through the pawl's engagement design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If complex solutions are implemented to reduce opening noise, then noise levels decrease, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening noiseVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pawl is designed to automatically follow the rotary latch's opening movement through its own mechanical configuration, reducing opening noise without requiring external control systems or complex mechanisms. The seal pressure reduction occurs self-service through the pawl's inherent movement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The pawl serves multiple functions: it provides secure locking through engagement with the rotary latch, reduces seal pressure during opening by following the rotary latch movement, and minimizes opening noise. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate noise-reduction mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If high seal pressure is maintained for secure locking, then locking reliability improves, but opening noise increases due to sudden pressure release

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure lockingVSAvoidopening noise
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The seal pressure is gradually reduced before pawl disengagement by having the pawl follow the rotary latch's opening movement. This preliminary pressure reduction prevents sudden release and associated noise, while the locking mechanism maintains reliability through proper engagement design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static high-pressure locked state to a dynamic pressure-reduction process during opening. The pawl's ability to follow the rotary latch movement creates a dynamic seal pressure profile that gradually decreases, preventing sudden pressure release and noise while maintaining locking reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3899174B1Lock for a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2022.08.31 KIEKERT AG
  • EP3899174B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3899174B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The subject of the invention is a lock (1) for a motor vehicle, in particular a tailgate lock (1), having a locking mechanism (2) with a rotary latch (3) and at least one pawl (4), with a lock holder (21), wherein the lock holder (21) can be brought into engagement with the locking mechanism (2) in at least one latching position, with a drive element (11) and with a pivotable bearing point (7) for the pawl (4), wherein the pawl (4) can be actuated by means of at least one coupling rod (10) and by the drive element (11), and the coupling rod (10) interacts with the pawl (4) by means of a coupling member (8) having a transmission ratio.