Vehicle Lock Bowden Cable Mounting With Adjustable Cover Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current motor vehicle lock assembly methods require multiple components and are not cost-effective, with existing solutions for Bowden cable installation being complex and prone to play, leading to potential noise issues and increased component count.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle lock design featuring a rotary latch, plastic housing, and adjustable fastening means in the form of an adjusting screw with a thread, combined with a cover that securely fixes the Bowden cable, allowing for easy adjustment and minimal component usage, reducing assembly complexity and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for Bowden cable mounting and adjustment, then the cable can be securely fixed, but the device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cover (protective element) with the fastening function by integrating a fastening element directly into the cover structure. This merging of protective and fastening functions into a single integrated component reduces the total number of parts while maintaining secure cable fixation, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the mounting area from external influences, provides a mounting surface for the Bowden cable, and incorporates the fastening element to secure the cable in the adjusted position. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protective covers and fastening mechanisms, reducing component count while maintaining fixation reliability
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional mounting methods are used, then the Bowden cable can be installed, but play occurs between components leading to noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems (separate clips, screws, or retention mechanisms) with a integrated fastening element built into the cover structure. This streamlined mechanical design eliminates gaps and play between separate components, preventing the noise-generating movements that occur with traditional multi-component mounting systems while maintaining ease of installation
3Manufacturing precision
If an adjustable fastening means is implemented, then the mounting position can be optimized, but additional structural means are required
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable fastening function is merged into the cover structure itself, with the fastening element being an integral part of the cover rather than a separate adjustment mechanism. This integration allows for precise mounting position adjustment without requiring additional structural components, as the adjustment capability is built into the existing cover design
Solution Approach 2:
The cover serves as both the protective enclosure and the adjustment mechanism by incorporating the fastening element with adjustment capability directly into its structure. This multi-functionality allows the same component to provide both protection and precise positioning, eliminating the need for separate adjustment devices and reducing overall structural complexity
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 solution enables secure, cost-effective, and simplified assembly of the Bowden cable with reduced noise and component count, facilitating precise positioning and secure fixation without additional structural means.
Implementation Method 1
an adjustable fastening means for the free end of the Bowden cable sheath in the plastic housing, wherein at least a part of a mounting area of the free end can be closed by means of a cover movably attached to the housing
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock (1) comprising a locking mechanism with a rotary latch and at least one pawl, a plastic housing (4, 5), a Bowden cable (3), wherein a free end of the Bowden cable (3), in particular a Bowden cable sheath (10), can be inserted into the plastic housing (4, 5) and mounted in the motor vehicle lock (1), and an adjustable fastening means (12, 13) for the free end of the Bowden cable sheath (10) in the plastic housing (4, 5), wherein at least a part of a mounting area (2) of the free end can be closed by means of a cover (8) movably attached to the housing (4, 5), and wherein the Bowden cable (3) can be fixed in a set mounting position by means of the cover (8).