Motor Vehicle Locking Device Striker Threshold Force Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking devices for motor vehicles struggle to precisely set the threshold force required to displace the striker from its fixed position to a spaced-apart position during a crash, which affects the ease of opening the door after an accident.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves deforming material regions of the mounting plate to securely fix the striker in its desired position, using a pusher body to achieve a radial material flow and create a precise clamping fit, allowing the striker to be displaced only when the threshold force is exceeded.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If material regions of the striker are deformed to fix the striker to the mounting plate, then the striker can be securely fixed, but the threshold force setting precision is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethreshold force setting precisionVSAvoidstriker fixation security

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of deforming material regions of the striker to achieve fixation and threshold force setting, the invention inverts the approach by deforming material regions of the mounting plate. This inversion allows for more precise threshold force setting while maintaining secure striker fixation, as the mounting plate provides a stable deformation base that can be precisely controlled during manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If the striker is firmly fixed to the mounting plate, then normal locking function is ensured, but the striker cannot be displaced during crash

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking function reliabilityVSAvoidcrash response adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a dynamic fixation system where the striker is firmly held during normal operation through deformed material regions of the mounting plate, but can be displaced when crash forces exceed the threshold. The deformed material regions act as a controlled weak point that allows transition from a fixed state to a displaced state, providing both normal locking reliability and crash response adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the threshold force is set too low, then the striker can be easily displaced during crash, but the striker may be displaced during normal operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor opening ease after crashVSAvoidnormal operation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention enables precise control of the threshold force parameter through controlled deformation of mounting plate material regions. By adjusting the deformation characteristics (extent, location, and nature of deformation), the threshold force can be precisely set to ensure it remains above normal operational forces but below crash forces, thereby maintaining normal operation reliability while ensuring easy door opening after crash.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach enables a precise and secure setting of the threshold force, ensuring the striker remains fixed during normal conditions and can be safely displaced during a crash, facilitating easier door opening after an accident.

Implementation Method 1

press on material regions of the mounting plate that are arranged near the mouth of an opening in the mounting plate as part of a wobbling movement and thus ensure a radial material flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadial material flow:

Implementation Method 2

material regions of the mounting plate, which are arranged at a mouth of the opening, are deformed in abutment against the outer circumferential surface of the axial portion of the striker

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Implementation Method 3

This constricts the mounting plate radially, so to speak, and clamps or presses the striker against it. This fastening as a result of a contact pressure fixes the striker securely to the mounting plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectContact pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS20250059807A1Locking device

Publication Date: 2025.02.20 MAGNA BOCO GMBH

AI summary

A locking device for a motor vehicle, including a striker that is fixed in a desired position on a mounting plate and that can be transferred from the desired position to a spaced-apart position in an accident situation as a result of a threshold force being exceeded. The mounting plate includes at least one opening through which an axial portion of the striker passes. The material regions of the mounting plate, which are arranged at a mouth of the opening, are deformed in abutment against the outer circumferential surface of the axial portion of the striker located in the desired position.