Vehicle Lock Latch Geometry for Self-Locking Low-Force Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle locks face a contradiction between requiring low operating force for opening and ensuring a secure holding function, with actuation forces being significant, especially in the pre-locked position.
Innovation Solution
A self-locking mechanism is achieved by designing the latch and primary locking pawl to generate a lifting moment and static friction force at the locking engagement point, reducing the actuating force needed to open the lock while maintaining a reliable holding effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the primary locking pawl is designed to engage the latch in the main locked position with an opening tendency, then low operating force for opening is achieved, but the actuating force from the pre-locked position remains considerable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the locking surfaces, specifically designing the locking surface on the latch such that its normal passes through the pivot axis of the primary locking pawl. This parameter change creates a self-locking mechanism that generates both lifting moment and static friction force, reducing the actuating force required from the pre-locked position while maintaining secure holding in both locked states.
2Force
If the normal force at the locking engagement point generates a lifting moment on the primary locking pawl, then low actuating force is achieved, but the holding function may be compromised without self-locking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-locking mechanism where the locking surfaces are designed to automatically generate both lifting moment and static friction force. The self-locking property ensures that the mechanism maintains its holding function reliably without requiring additional active control or complex design measures, as the geometry itself provides the necessary forces for both operation and security.
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 reduces the actuating force required to open the lock without compromising operational safety or requiring complex design measures, achieving a balance between low operating force and secure locking.
Implementation Method 1
an opening moment acting on the latch, via the locking engagement, generates on the one hand a lifting moment at the primary locking pawl and on the other hand a static friction force at the locking engagement point between the latch and the pawl, such that the latch and the pawl form a self-locking mechanism via the locking engagement
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle lock having a pivotable lock catch (2), which in the fitted state interacts with a closing part (3), in particular a locking clip, and having a pivotable primary locking pawl (4), the lock catch (2) being capable of being brought out of an open position into a pre-closing position and into a main closing position downstream of the pre-closing position and being lockable in the respective closed position by the primary locking pawl (4). According to the invention, in at least one closed position, in particular in the pre-closing position of the lock catch (2), an opening moment acting on the lock catch (2) on the one hand exerts a lifting-out moment (10) on the primary pawl (4) by means of a locking engagement, since the normal (N) of the closing-locking surface runs past the lock engagement point (11) between the lock catch (2) and the primary pawl (4) on the swivel axis (4a) of the primary pawl (4), and on the other hand exerts a static frictional force (FH) on the lock engagement point (11) between the lock catch (2) and the primary pawl (4) in such a way that the lock catch (2) and the primary pawl (4) form a self-locking mechanism by means of the locking engagement.