Motor Vehicle Latch With Linear Thrust Child Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle door latches, particularly those with power locking units, are complex to operate and require multiple actions to engage or disengage child locks, especially when used on rear side doors, making them inconvenient for users, especially children.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle latch design utilizing an electromotive drive with a linear thrust member and blocking lever that allows for simplified operation by holding the thrust member in three positions, enabling easy power release and locking functions through a compact, structurally simple mechanism, allowing remote control via switches or control units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a power locking unit with coupling lever is used to prevent unauthorized opening, then security is improved, but operation complexity increases requiring multiple actions to engage or disengage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the child lock function from the main locking mechanism by introducing a separate coupling lever that can be independently engaged or disengaged. This allows the child lock to operate autonomously without interfering with the primary locking mechanism, simplifying the user interface while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system is segmented into independent functional modules: the main locking mechanism, the power locking unit with coupling lever, and the child lock function. This segmentation allows each module to be controlled independently, reducing operation complexity while maintaining comprehensive security.
2Reliability
If multiple positions for coupling lever are implemented to ensure correct positioning, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling lever incorporates a self-latching mechanism that automatically maintains its position once engaged or disengaged. The lever's design includes engagement features that self-lock into the correct position, eliminating the need for additional sensors or actuators to verify positioning, thus reducing device complexity while ensuring reliability.
3Ease of operation
If electromotive drive is added for remote control capability, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electromotive drive is designed to serve multiple functions: it can engage or disengage the coupling lever for child lock control, and also operate the main locking mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate actuators for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity and cost while providing comprehensive remote control capability.
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 facilitates easy operation of child locks and power locking units with reduced mechanical complexity, enabling efficient electric control for enhanced user convenience and safety, particularly on rear side doors, while maintaining a cost-effective and reliable structure.
Implementation Method 1
an electromotive drive for electrically powered release or for coupling and uncoupling of a coupling lever as part of a power locking unit
Implementation Method 2
The catch opens with the aid of a spring and releases a previously caught locking pin
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle latch, in particular a motor vehicle door latch, which is equipped with a locking mechanism consisting substantially of a catch and a pawl.An electromotive drive for a coupling lever is further provided as part of a power locking unit. In addition, a first operating lever is provided, wherein in the "unlocked" position of the power locking unit, said first operating lever works on the coupling lever that is then engaged in order to open the locking mechanism, and wherein in the "locked" position of the power locking unit, said first operating lever performs an idle stroke relative to the coupling lever that is then disengaged. According to the invention, the electromotive drive works with a linear thrust member on the coupling lever, wherein the linear thrust member is held in at least one position with the aid of a blocking lever.