Vehicle Locking Device with Overload Protector for Pedestrian Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for vehicle movable parts, such as engine covers, are complex and expensive, failing to provide effective pedestrian impact protection.
Innovation Solution
A cost-effective locking device with a rotary latch and pawl mechanism that includes a raising mechanism and an overload protector, allowing the movable part to move from a protection position to an impact position upon excessive load, thereby reducing the risk of pedestrian injury by absorbing kinetic energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing locking device designs are used, then the structure is relatively simple, but pedestrian impact protection is ineffective and the design is complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking function and pedestrian protection function into a single integrated locking device. The raising mechanism with overload protector serves dual purposes: it elevates the engine cover for pedestrian protection while simultaneously working with the locking mechanism to secure the cover. This merging eliminates the need for separate protection systems, reducing overall complexity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is designed to perform multiple functions: normal locking operation and pedestrian impact protection. The raising mechanism can elevate the engine cover to create protection distance, and the overload protector enables controlled deformation during impact. This multi-functionality allows a single device structure to address both security and safety requirements without needing additional components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing locking device designs are used, then basic locking function is provided, but the design is expensive and lacks extended functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions (locking, raising, overload protection) into a single integrated device structure. By combining these functions rather than using separate components, the device achieves extended functionality while maintaining cost-effectiveness through reduced part count and simplified manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device incorporates dynamic capabilities through the raising mechanism that can elevate the engine cover and the overload protector that enables controlled deformation. These dynamic features provide extended functionality beyond static locking, allowing the device to adapt to different operational modes (normal locking, protection position, impact absorption) without requiring multiple separate systems.
3Reliability
If the movable part is kept in closed position, then normal operation is maintained, but pedestrian impact protection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The raising mechanism is designed to elevate the engine cover to a protection position before an impact occurs. This preliminary action creates a safety distance between the engine cover and the pedestrian, reducing impact forces. The overload protector is pre-configured to enable controlled deformation at specific force thresholds, providing protection in advance of severe impact while maintaining normal operation during regular use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions between different positions (closed position for normal operation and protection position for safety). The raising mechanism enables this dynamic repositioning, and the overload protector allows controlled deformation when impact forces exceed thresholds. This dynamic behavior provides both operational ease and protection reliability by adapting to different operational conditions.
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 effectively reduces the risk of pedestrian injury by allowing the movable part to elevate and absorb impact forces, providing targeted deformation and load-dependent activation, thus enhancing pedestrian protection while maintaining simplicity and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one overload protector which enables the movable part to, in a load condition, be moved from the protection position into an impact position
Data Source
AI summary
A locking device for a movable part of a vehicle, in particular for a bonnet of a vehicle, having a locking mechanism which can be mounted on the body side and intended for receiving a lock holder arranged on the movable part, and also having a raising mechanism which can be brought into contact with the lock holder and intended for moving the movable part into at least one protection position, wherein the raising mechanism has at least a first overload protector, with the result that, in a load situation, the movable part is movable from the protection position into an impact position.