Vehicle Door Latch Double Lock Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicle latches often lack a reliable double lock mechanism that prevents both the outside and inside release handles from opening the latch when it is in a locked state, which can compromise security in certain applications.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle latch with a double lock mechanism that includes a motor-driven worm gear system, a double lock link, and an over-center spring, which disengages the inside release lever from the pawl, ensuring that neither the inside nor outside release lever can open the latch when the double lock mechanism is activated, along with a manual release mechanism for override in case of power loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single locking mechanism is used, then the device complexity is low, but the security reliability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking system is divided into two independent locking mechanisms: a first locking mechanism that couples the outside release lever to the pawl, and a second locking mechanism that couples the inside release lever to the pawl. Each mechanism operates independently with its own motor, worm gear, and lever components, allowing the system to achieve enhanced security through multiple locking stages while maintaining modular complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second locking mechanism is nested within the existing latch structure, with the inside release lever integration into the same housing and operational space as the first locking mechanism. The motors are positioned to share mounting space, and the lever system is arranged so that both locking actions occur within the same spatial envelope, reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If a double lock mechanism is added, then the security reliability is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity reliabilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides automatic locking functionality where the motors automatically engage the levers to the pawl when the corresponding doors are closed, eliminating the need for manual locking actions. The automatic nature of the locking process maintains ease of operation while achieving secure double locking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The motors act as intermediaries between the door closure action and the locking engagement, automatically translating the mechanical motion of door closing into the appropriate lever-to-pawl engagement without requiring direct manual manipulation of the locking mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If motor-driven locking mechanisms are used, then the reliability is improved, but the use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The motors operate periodically rather than continuously, engaging only during the locking and unlocking transitions. The worm gear mechanisms provide mechanical memory to maintain the locked state without continuous power consumption, and the motors remain inactive during normal latched operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces purely mechanical spring-based locking with motor-driven worm gear systems that provide more reliable and controllable locking action. The worm gear's self-locking characteristic provides mechanical memory without requiring continuous energy input, combining electrical control with mechanical advantage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 double lock mechanism effectively secures the vehicle latch by preventing unauthorized opening, even when the first locking mechanism is engaged, and provides a manual override option for situations like power loss, ensuring enhanced security and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

the double lock mechanism includes a motor for driving a worm gear that meshingly engages a sector gear such that rotation of the worm by motor will cause rotational movement of the sector gear

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWorm gear: Worm Drive

Implementation Method 2

the double lock mechanism also includes an over center spring having one end operably coupled to the sector gear and another end secured to an actuator housing of the vehicle latch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS20240011335A1Vehicle door latch with double lock function

Publication Date: 2024.01.11 INTEVA PRODUCTS LLC

AI summary

A vehicle latch, including: a first locking mechanism configured to disengage an outside release lever of the vehicle latch from a pawl of the vehicle latch; and a double lock mechanism configured to disengage an inside release lever from the pawl of the vehicle latch such that when the double lock mechanism is actuated into a locked state, movement of the inside release lever will not release the vehicle latch.