Vehicle Double-Pull Lock with Bowden Cable Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double-pull locks for vehicle hoods are compromised in terms of safety and user convenience due to the vulnerability of mechanical or electronic systems and the requirement for high force exertion, making them susceptible to tampering and cumbersome to operate.
Innovation Solution
A double-pull lock design featuring a catch and pawl mechanism with orthogonal pivoting axes, integrated with a U-shaped slot and springs, utilizing Bowden cables for actuation, which allows for safe, versatile, and easy operation by distributing force effectively and enhancing security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cam connected to a cable is used to actuate the catches, then the lock can be operated from the passenger compartment, but the lock becomes susceptible to tampering and requires high force exertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the vulnerable cam mechanism from the system entirely. Instead of using a cam that requires high force and can be tampered with, the invention directly connects the cable to the catches through a simple mechanical linkage. This extraction of the problematic cam component eliminates the security vulnerability while maintaining operability from the passenger compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a direct mechanical linkage as an intermediary between the cable and the catches, replacing the complex cam mechanism. This simplified intermediary transmits force more efficiently and securely, reducing the force required for operation while enhancing security against tampering through its straightforward, tamper-resistant design.
2Ease of operation
If a cam mechanism is used to release the catches, then the lock can provide sequential opening, but the mechanical actuation requires high force on the cable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cam mechanism that causes high force requirements and replaces it with a direct cable linkage system. The catches are released through direct mechanical advantage from the cable pull, eliminating the force-amplifying cam rotation and reducing the required cable force while maintaining sequential opening functionality through the design of the catch release sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the complex cam-based mechanical system with a simpler direct linkage mechanical system. This replacement reduces mechanical losses and force requirements by eliminating the cam rotation step, providing a more efficient force transmission path from the cable to the catches while preserving the sequential opening capability.
3Extent of automation
If an electronic actuator is used to pull the cable, then the operation can be automated, but a powerful actuator is required to exert adequate force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for high-power electronic actuators by eliminating the cam mechanism that required high force. The simplified direct linkage system reduces the force requirement to a level that can be satisfied by low-power actuators, enabling automated operation with minimal power consumption while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the high-force mechanical cam system with a low-force direct linkage system, enabling the use of small, low-power electronic actuators. This substitution dramatically reduces the power requirement for automated actuation while maintaining the sequential opening capability and overall lock functionality.
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 design enhances safety and user convenience by reducing the risk of tampering and operational effort, providing a reliable and easy-to-use mechanism for partial and complete hood opening, while maintaining secure closure.
Implementation Method 1
A first spring pushes the catch and/or the striker
Implementation Method 2
The pawl is pushed to the locking position by a second spring
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Vehicle lock (100) comprising: a base plate (1) with a slot (10) suitable for receiving a striker (4), a catch (2) with a fastening seat (20) suitable for fastening the striker (4), a first spring (5) with an arm (50) that acts on said striker (4) and/or on said catch (2) in order to push the catch (2) towards an opening position, a pawl (3) suitable for locking the catch (2) in the closing position, a second spring (6) that pushes the pawl to a locking position, at least one Bowden cable (8) connected to the pawl. The catch (2) can be disposed in an intermediate closing position between said closing position and said opening position; and the pawl (3) can be disposed in an intermediate locking position, wherein the catch (2) is locked in the intermediate closing position.