Vehicle Lock with Pull-In Device for Manual Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle locks for agricultural and construction machines do not allow for manual opening while maintaining normal locking functionality, and their locking mechanism can be impaired by the closing device, especially in case of failure.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle lock with a single rotary latch assembly and a closing device that includes a drive wheel and locking pawl, allowing for manual opening and automatic closing, with a trigger mechanism and sensors to ensure the locking function is not compromised even if the closing device fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a closing device with drive motor and transmission is added to automatically close the lock from pre-latching to final-latching position, then the automation level and convenience are improved, but the device complexity and potential points of failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The closing device is segmented into functionally independent components: drive motor, transmission mechanism with two planetary stages, drive wheel, and locking pawl. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies maintenance while maintaining the automated closing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission mechanism incorporates a dynamic locking pawl that can engage and disengage from the drive wheel. This dynamic element allows the system to switch between automated closing mode and manual opening mode, providing adaptability while maintaining automation capability.
2Reliability
If a locking pawl and transmission mechanism are integrated into the closing device, then the automatic closing reliability is improved, but the risk that the closing device impairs the normal locking function increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pawl is designed to engage the drive wheel in advance during normal locking operations, ensuring the transmission mechanism is ready for automated closing. This preliminary engagement ensures reliable locking while preparing the system for potential automated closing activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive wheel serves as an intermediary element between the locking mechanism and the closing device. It transmits force from the locking pawl during normal operation and from the motor during automated closing, while the locking pawl itself acts as a mediator that can disengage to prevent interference with manual operations.
3Manufacturing precision
If the locking pawl is designed to lock the drive wheel in the transmission, then the automatic closing precision is improved, but the manual operability of the lock may be restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pawl is designed as a dynamic component that can engage with the drive wheel's locking surface to achieve precise latching positions during automated closing, but can be easily disengaged by applying force in the opening direction. This dynamic design allows the system to switch between precision locking mode and manual operation mode.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of designing a complex release mechanism for the locking pawl, the system uses inversion: the locking pawl naturally engages through spring force or gravity during automated closing, but manual opening simply requires overcoming this engagement force in the opposite direction, simplifying the release mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle lock (1) including a rotary latch assembly (2) and a closing device (3) for the locking and closing of doors or hatches of motor vehicles, in particular of doors or hatches of agricultural machines, such as, for example, tractors, or of construction machines, as well as a vehicle including such a vehicle lock (1).