Vehicle Opening Panel Locking System with Independent Control Members

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing controllable locking systems for vehicle dashboard openings lack independent control points that can be spaced apart and operated independently, limiting user access and flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A locking system featuring a movable locking member with a hooking element and two kinematically independent control members, each with a motion transmission element, allowing for separate and identical user actions to control the locking mechanism, enabling independent operation of the locking member.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single control point is used in the locking system, then the structure is simpler, but the user access and flexibility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser access and flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol point configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking system is segmented into multiple independent control members (at least two control members with operating ends) that can be spaced apart, allowing independent operation from different locations. Each control member is kinematically independent but acts on the same locking member through separate motion transmission elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple control members perform the same unlocking function independently, providing universal access from different locations. Each control member is designed with the same functional capability to actuate the locking member, allowing flexibility in user access without requiring different mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If two distinct control points are implemented, then user access and flexibility improve, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent control capabilityVSAvoidcontrol member configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is divided into separate, kinematically independent control members that can be positioned at different locations. Each control member has its own motion transmission element but shares the common locking member, achieving independence in control while maintaining simplicity in the locking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple control members are merged into a single locking mechanism through their common action on the locking member. Despite being spatially separated and independently operable, all control members converge their motion through各自的 motion transmission elements to the same drive element on the locking member, unifying their effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If control points are spaced apart, then accessibility from multiple sides is enabled, but the structural linkage becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility from multiple sidesVSAvoidmotion transmission linkage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Control members are arranged in different spatial positions and orientations, utilizing three-dimensional space to distribute control points across multiple sides of the housing. This spatial arrangement enables accessibility from different directions while the motion transmission elements translate these distributed inputs to the centralized locking member.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Motion transmission elements serve as intermediaries between the spatially distributed control members and the locking member. Each motion transmission element converts the motion from its respective control member into the appropriate motion to actuate the drive element on the locking member, simplifying the linkage between distant control points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 system provides simple, flexible, and comfortable operation with two control points that can be spaced apart, allowing independent control of the locking mechanism, reducing complexity and maintaining a secure locking state.

Implementation Method 1

a helical spring working in torsion to return this paddle to its lowered position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the lever has a lug bearing against a cam profile formed on the outer contour of the cylinder, so that, with the pivoting of the lever, the cylinder slides axially

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Data Source

PatentEP3759300B1Locking system for an opening panel, in particular an opening panel for closing a housing in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2022.04.20 SMRC AUTOMOTIVE HLDG NETHERLANDS BV
  • EP3759300B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3759300B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3759300B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

The present invention concerns a locking system for an opening panel (1), the opening of which can be controlled manually, comprising a locking member (2) with a fastening element, arranged so as to be able to move in relation with a first axis (A1) and at least one control member (3) having an elongate structure and arranged so as to be able to pivot about at least one second axis (A2). A locking system characterised in that the locking member (2) is able to pivot about the first axis (A1), in that it is provided with two control members (3), in the form of tilting blades, kinematically independent of each other, in that each of the two control members (3) comprises its own movement transmission element, that is situated between the manoeuvring end (6) of same and the hinged end of same and that is capable of and intended to cooperate with a corresponding associated drive element of the locking member (2), and in that said locking member (2) and the two control members (3) are pivotally hinged with the opening panel (1).