Vehicle Lock Auxiliary Module Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle locks require extensive redesign and increased complexity for emergency unlocking mechanisms, leading to higher costs and logistical challenges due to the integration of auxiliary drives and energy sources, which complicates assembly and storage.

Innovation Solution

A functionally independent auxiliary module with a separate auxiliary drive and energy source is mechanically connected to the motor vehicle lock, allowing for emergency unlocking independently of the main drive, utilizing a high-gear ratio mechanism and low-power electromotive components, and integrating a data interface for secure authentication with an electronic key.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an auxiliary drive with auxiliary motor and auxiliary gear is integrated into the motor vehicle lock, then operational safety in emergency situations is improved, but device complexity and construction complication increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational safetyVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary drive is separated from the main lock mechanism and integrated into a distinct auxiliary module that can be mechanically connected to the lock. This segmentation allows the auxiliary emergency unlocking function to be added without fundamentally redesigning the entire lock system, thereby improving operational safety while limiting the increase in construction complexity to a modular addition rather than system-wide complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the auxiliary drive is integrated into the motor vehicle lock, then emergency unlocking capability is improved, but manufacturing costs and storage costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemergency unlocking capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the auxiliary drive into a separate auxiliary module, the manufacturing process is simplified. The auxiliary module can be manufactured independently and then mechanically connected to the existing lock, avoiding the need to redesign and remanufacture the entire lock assembly. This modular approach reduces manufacturing costs and simplifies logistics and storage compared to integrating the auxiliary drive directly into a completely redesigned lock system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the auxiliary drive is integrated into the motor vehicle lock, then emergency operation functionality is improved, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemergency operation functionalityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary drive is implemented as a separately manufacturable auxiliary module that is mechanically connected to the lock. This segmentation enables the auxiliary module to be assembled independently and then attached to the existing lock mechanism, significantly reducing overall assembly complexity compared to integrating the auxiliary drive directly into a monolithic lock design where all components would need to be assembled together as a single complex unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This solution reduces design and assembly costs, provides a flexible adaptation to existing locks, and enables secure emergency unlocking with reduced energy consumption and travel time, while maintaining structural simplicity and flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

auxiliary drive with electromotive auxiliary motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromotive: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

main drive working on the actuating lever mechanism with an electromotive main motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromotive: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4038252B1Vehicle lock
Publication Date: 2023.05.17 KIEKERT AG
  • EP4038252B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4038252B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4038252B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a drive assembly for a motor vehicle lock (1), particularly for a motor vehicle door lock (1), which motor vehicle lock is equipped with: - an actuation lever mechanism (3) for releasing a locking mechanism (4, 5); - a main drive (6) which operates on the actuation lever mechanism (3) and has a main electric motor and optionally a downstream main transmission, for example for unlocking/opening the locking mechanism (4, 5); and - an auxiliary drive (7, 8, 9) which likewise operates on the actuation lever mechanism (3) and has an electric-motor auxiliary drive (7) and a downstream auxiliary transmission (8), for example for the emergency unlocking/emergency opening of the locking mechanism (4, 5). According to the invention, the auxiliary drive (7, 8, 9) is part of a functionally independent auxiliary module (10) which is mechanically connected to the motor vehicle lock (1).