Vehicle Closing Element Coupling Mechanism for Emergency Access

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing closing elements for motor vehicles, such as car doors and tailgates, rely on mechanical locks and emergency keys, which compromise security and increase complexity, especially when electronic key battery power fails, leading to operational inefficiencies and security risks.

Innovation Solution

A coupling mechanism with an actuator and separate energy storage, allowing for emergency operation of the locking and opening mechanisms without mechanical locks or emergency keys, using electromagnetic signal authentication for secure operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical lock and emergency key are provided for emergency access, then operational reliability is improved, but device complexity and security are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical lock and emergency key system with an electromechanical coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism includes an actuator that can be activated by the electronic key to mechanically couple the opening mechanism with the closing element, enabling emergency access without requiring separate mechanical locks or keys.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism serves multiple functions: it acts as both a normal operating component during regular keyless entry operation and as an emergency release mechanism when the electronic key battery fails. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanical emergency access systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a mechanical lock is added for emergency access, then operational reliability is improved, but security against theft is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidsecurity against theft

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical locks and emergency keys that could be bypassed or picked, replacing them with an electromechanical system controlled by the electronic key. The coupling mechanism can only be activated through the authenticated electronic key system, preventing unauthorized mechanical access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the electronic key system and the mechanical opening mechanism. It ensures that even in emergency situations, the electronic authentication system remains the controlling interface, preventing direct mechanical access to the locking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If electronic key authentication is used without mechanical backup, then security is improved, but operational reliability is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity against theftVSAvoidoperational reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism is pre-configured to be mechanically connected to both the opening mechanism and the electronic key actuator. In the event of battery failure, the mechanical coupling is already in place and can be activated immediately by the electronic key without requiring any additional mechanical components or assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the electronic key actuation system with the mechanical opening mechanism through the coupling mechanism. This integration ensures that the same authenticated electronic key controls both normal operation and emergency release, maintaining security while ensuring operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enhances operational reliability and security by enabling secure emergency access without additional mechanical components, ensuring authorized access while maintaining convenience and reducing theft risks.

Implementation Method 1

For the interaction the coupling mechanism is capable of being actuated by means of an actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

The two devices may possess, for the designated operation thereof, transmitters and/or receivers for, in particular, electromagnetic signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic signal transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10145153B2Closing element, in particular for a motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2018.12.04 MARQUARDT GMBH

AI summary

A closing element for a motor vehicle, including an opening mechanism, and a handling element for the closing element actively connected to the opening mechanism such that the closing element can be moved for the purpose of opening. The closing element includes a locking mechanism for locking and/or unlocking the opening mechanism. The locking mechanism can be actuated by a closing system, in particular for the authorization of access to the motor vehicle. A coupling mechanism is provided for interacting with the locking mechanism and/or with the opening mechanism in the manner of an emergency release. The coupling mechanism can be actuated by an actuator. For the operation of the actuator a separate energy storage device is provided that can be used on demand.