Vehicle Door Locking Device With Translating Connecting Guide

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle locking devices are model-specific, requiring customized connecting members that increase development and logistical costs due to varying latch and lock positions, necessitating separate manufacturing for each vehicle model.

Innovation Solution

A universal locking device with a guiding mechanism for the connecting member that allows translation and rotation, adapting to different latch and lock positions, enabling standardization across various vehicle models.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If connecting members are customized for each vehicle model to adapt to varying latch and lock positions, then the locking device fits each vehicle model precisely, but development costs and manufacturing complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different vehicle modelsVSAvoidcomplexity of connecting member design
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting member is designed with a universal guiding mechanism that can accommodate multiple latch and lock positions across different vehicle models. The guide device with its groove and rib structure allows a single connecting member design to function across various vehicle openings, eliminating the need for model-specific customizations while maintaining precise positioning capability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting member incorporates a dynamic guiding mechanism that allows for adjustment and adaptation during installation. The guide device enables the connecting member to be positioned correctly for different latch and lock configurations through controlled movement along the groove, providing adaptability without requiring multiple fixed designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If customized connecting members are manufactured for each vehicle model, then positioning precision is optimized for each model, but manufacturing costs and logistical complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precision of connecting memberVSAvoidease of manufacturing connecting members
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A single standardized connecting member design with an integrated guide device serves multiple vehicle models, maintaining positioning precision through the guiding mechanism rather than through customizations. This universal design simplifies manufacturing processes and reduces logistical complexity while preserving the necessary positioning accuracy for different latch and lock configurations.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The guide device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the standardized connecting member and the varying latch/lock positions. It provides the necessary adaptation and positioning function, allowing a single connecting member design to achieve model-specific precision without requiring model-specific manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If a universal locking device is used across multiple vehicle models, then manufacturing and logistical costs are reduced, but adaptability to specific latch and lock positions must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufacturing locking devicesVSAvoidadaptability to different latch and lock positions
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting member is designed as a universal component with an integrated guide device that can accommodate multiple latch and lock positions across different vehicle models. This single design serves multiple functions and applications, reducing manufacturing and logistical costs while maintaining the necessary adaptability through the guiding mechanism.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The guide device provides dynamic adaptability, allowing the universal connecting member to be correctly positioned for different latch and lock configurations during installation. The groove and rib structure enables controlled movement and positioning, ensuring proper fit and function across various vehicle models without requiring multiple fixed designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4321713B1Locking device for a vehicle door
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 RENAULT SA
  • EP4321713B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4321713B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4321713B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The main object of the present invention is a vehicle opening (1) comprising at least an outer sheet (2), an inner sheet (4) and at least one locking device (6) of said opening (1) having at least one bolt (8) in contact at least in part with the outer sheet (2), a lock (10) disposed at least in part between the inner sheet (4) and the bolt (8) and a connecting member (12) having a first end (14) cooperating with the bolt (8) and a second end (16) cooperating with the lock (10), characterized in that the locking device (6) comprises at least one guide device (24) for the translation of the second end (16) of the connecting member (12), said guide device (24) connecting the second end (16) of the connecting member (12) to the lock (10),said guiding device (24) extending at least along a principal extension direction (A) by allowing a translation of the second end (16) of the connecting member (12) along said principal extension direction (A) over at least 10mm.