Vehicle Closure Lock Rotary Latch Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock mechanisms fail to reliably determine the working positions of lock members, particularly the rotary latch, due to the lack of precise monitoring, which complicates control and accuracy in locking and unlocking processes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of two separate pawls, a first catch pawl and a main detent pawl, along with three sensors that monitor the latch's positions directly or indirectly, providing a digital code to an electrical control unit to determine the exact working position of the rotary latch, ensuring precise control and monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single pawl is used to monitor the rotary latch position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of the latch position is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The single pawl is segmented into two separate pawls: a first pawl that engages with a first detent on the rotary latch, and a second pawl that engages with a second detent. Each pawl is equipped with its own sensor, creating distinct detection zones for different latch positions. This segmentation allows the system to precisely determine whether the latch is in the first position or the second position, resolving the measurement precision issue while maintaining manageable device complexity through functional division.
2Reliability
If indirect monitoring via intermediate links is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of position determination is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from the mechanical linkage system and places sensors directly on the pawls themselves. Instead of using intermediate links to transmit position information indirectly, each pawl has its own sensor mounted directly on it, allowing direct detection of the pawl's engaged position. This extraction of the detection function eliminates the reliability issues associated with intermediate links while minimizing additional complexity by integrating the sensor directly onto the existing pawl structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a closure in which a lock interacts with a closing element (10). The lock comprises a stationary, rotationally mounted (14) catch (15) that can be pivoted between an open position (15.1), a preliminary catch position (15.2) and main catch position (15.3). The lock also comprises a pawl (30) and several sensors (51 - 53) that monitor various working positions of the lock element. In order to improve the control of the lock, the rotary catch (15) is associated with two separate pawls (20, 30), one of said pawls acting as preliminary catch pawl (20) and only engages with the preliminary catch element (17), whilst the other pawl acts as the main catch pawl (30) and only engages with the main catch element (18). Two sensors (51; 52) are provided, one of which (52) engages directly or indirectly with the main catch pawl (30) and the other (51) engages directly or indirectly with the preliminary catch pawl (20) and monitors the catch position (20.2; 30.2) and/or release position (20.1; 30.1).