Patent Publication Number: US-2021180369-A1

Title: Dynamic lock mechanism

Description:
INTRODUCTION 
     The present disclosure relates generally to a dynamic locking mechanism triggered by a change of acceleration, such as a sudden vehicle deceleration. 
     Upon a sudden deceleration event, vehicle components, such as, for example, a vehicle hood, can contact a vehicle windshield, causing damage and possible impingement of the windshield and/or the hood to the passenger compartment. Therefore, there is a need for a mechanism to prevent undesired motion of vehicle components, such as the vehicle hood, in cases of sudden vehicle deceleration events. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments according to the present disclosure provide a number of advantages. For example, embodiments according to the present disclosure prevent impingement of a vehicle components, such as a vehicle hood, for example, into another vehicle component, such as a vehicle windshield using a dynamic locking mechanism that is triggered by a sudden change in vehicle acceleration. 
     In one aspect of the present disclosure, a dynamic lock mechanism includes a lock body defining a longitudinal axis, the lock body including a lock body opening extending along the longitudinal axis from a first end of the lock body to a second end of the lock body opposite the first end, the lock body opening open to the environment at the first end, a lock plunger configured to travel within the lock body opening such that the lock plunger is fully enclosed within the lock body opening when the lock plunger is in a first position and at least a portion of the lock plunger extends out of the lock body opening when the lock plunger is in a second position, the lock plunger including a retention edge defining a retention channel, a catch member disposed within the lock body and configured to engage with the retention channel of the lock plunger when the lock plunger is in the second position, and a first tensionable member coupled to the lock plunger and a second tensionable member coupled to the catch member. 
     In some aspects, the first tensionable member is an extension spring and the second tensionable member is a compression spring. 
     In some aspects, the lock plunger translates within the lock body opening from the first position to the second position when an inertial force overcomes a spring force of the first tensionable member. 
     In some aspects, the first position is a disengaged position of the lock plunger and the second position is an engaged position of the lock plunger. 
     In some aspects, the retention channel is perpendicular to the lock body opening. 
     In some aspects, the lock body includes an edge defining a receiving opening perpendicular to the lock body opening and the catch member is disposed within the receiving opening. 
     In some aspects, when the lock plunger is in the second position, the receiving opening of the lock body is aligned with the retention channel of the lock plunger and the second tensionable member translates the catch member into the retention channel such that the catch member engages with the lock plunger. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, an automotive vehicle includes a vehicle body, a vehicle hood coupled to the vehicle body, a bracket coupled to the vehicle hood, the bracket including a bracket opening, and a dynamic lock mechanism coupled to the vehicle body. The dynamic lock mechanism includes a lock body defining a longitudinal axis, the lock body including a lock body opening extending along the longitudinal axis from a first end of the lock body to a second end of the lock body opposite the first end, the lock body opening open to the environment at the first end and a lock plunger configured to travel within the lock body opening such that the lock plunger is fully enclosed within the lock body opening when the lock plunger is in a first position and at least a portion of the lock plunger extends out of the lock body opening and engages with the bracket opening in the bracket when the lock plunger is in a second position. 
     In some aspects, the lock plunger includes a retention channel and the dynamic lock mechanism further includes a catch member disposed within the lock body, the catch member configured to engage with the retention channel of the lock plunger when the lock plunger is in the second position. 
     In some aspects, the retention channel is perpendicular to the lock body opening. 
     In some aspects, the automotive vehicle further includes a first tensionable member coupled to the lock plunger and a second tensionable member coupled to the catch member. 
     In some aspects, the first tensionable member is a spring. 
     In some aspects, the lock plunger translates within the lock body opening from the first position to the second position when an inertial force overcomes a spring force of the first tensionable member. 
     In some aspects, the first position is a disengaged position of the lock plunger with respect to the bracket and the second position is an engaged position of the lock plunger with respect to the bracket. 
     In some aspects, the lock body includes an edge defining a receiving opening perpendicular to the lock body opening and the catch member is disposed within the receiving opening. 
     In some aspects, when the lock plunger is in the second position, the receiving opening of the lock body is aligned with the retention channel of the lock plunger and the second tensionable member translates the catch member into the retention channel such that the catch member engages with the lock plunger. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, a dynamic lock mechanism includes a lock body defining a longitudinal axis, the lock body including a lock body opening extending along the longitudinal axis from a first end of the lock body to a second end of the lock body opposite the first end, the lock body opening open to the environment at the first end, a lock plunger configured to travel within the lock body opening such that the lock plunger is fully enclosed within the lock body opening when the lock plunger is in a first position and at least a portion of the lock plunger extends out of the lock body opening when the lock plunger is in a second position, and a tensionable member coupled to the lock plunger. The lock plunger translates within the lock body opening from the first position to the second position when an inertial force overcomes a spring force of the tensionable member. 
     In some aspects, the lock plunger includes a lock plunger head and a lock plunger engagement member extending from a first side of the lock plunger head and the tensionable member is coupled to the first side of the lock plunger head. 
     In some aspects, the tensionable member is a spring. 
     In some aspects, the tensionable member is in an extended position when the lock plunger is in the first position and the tensionable member is in a compressed position when the lock plunger is in the second position and the first position is a disengaged position of the lock plunger and the second position is an engaged position of the lock plunger. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure will be described in conjunction with the following figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements. 
         FIG. 1  schematically illustrates a cross-section of a dynamic locking mechanism in a disengaged position, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  schematically illustrates a cross-section of the dynamic locking mechanism of  FIG. 1  in an engaged position, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  schematically illustrates a cross-section of a dynamic locking mechanism in a disengaged position, according to another embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  schematically illustrates a cross-section of the dynamic locking mechanism of  FIG. 3  in an engaged position, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings. Any dimensions disclosed in the drawings or elsewhere herein are for the purpose of illustration only. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. It is to be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and other embodiments can take various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features could be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure. As those of ordinary skill in the art will understand, various features illustrated and described with reference to any one of the figures can be combined with features illustrated in one or more other figures to produce embodiments that are not explicitly illustrated or described. The combinations of features illustrated provide representative embodiments for typical applications. Various combinations and modifications of the features consistent with the teachings of this disclosure, however, could be desired for particular applications or implementations. 
     Certain terminology may be used in the following description for the purpose of reference only, and thus are not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as “above” and “below” refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Terms such as “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “rear,” and “side” describe the orientation and/or location of portions of the components or elements within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference which is made clear by reference to the text and the associated drawings describing the components or elements under discussion. Moreover, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” and so on may be used to describe separate components. Such terminology may include the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Throughout the disclosure; like or similar reference numbers refer to like or similar components. 
     Vehicle events in which sudden deceleration occurs can result in detachment of a vehicle component, resulting in impingement into a vehicle passenger compartment or other undesirable detachment, such as a vehicle hood hitting a vehicle windshield, for example and without limitation. Embodiments discussed herein include a dynamic lock mechanism that triggers during a sudden deceleration event, such as a frontal impact event. Upon the vehicle deceleration event, a lock plunger moves out of a lock body to an engaged position and engages with a bracket coupled to the vehicle component, such as a vehicle hood. In various embodiments, the lock body includes a spring-loaded catch such that once the lock plunger extends from the lock body, the catch engages with the lock plunger to hold the lock plunger in the engaged position. As discussed herein, the dynamic lock mechanism may be used to restrain other vehicle components, such as console or glovebox doors, hatches, etc., for example and without limitation. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a dynamic lock mechanism  100 , according to an embodiment of the disclosure. A vehicle  10  includes a hood  14  and a windshield  15 . The hood  14  is rotatably attached to the vehicle body, and, upon a sudden deceleration event, may become detached and impact the windshield  15 . The vehicle  10  further includes a bracket  16  coupled to the hood  14 . In various embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the bracket  16  includes an edge  17  defining a bracket opening  18  configured to engage with a portion of the dynamic lock mechanism  100 . 
     The dynamic lock mechanism  100  includes a lock body  102  defining a longitudinal axis X. A lateral axis Y extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X. An edge  104  forms a lock body opening  106  in the lock body  102 . In various embodiments, the lock body opening  106  extends from a first end  111  of the lock body  102  to a second end  112  of the lock body  102  opposite the first end. The lock body opening  106  is open to the environment at the first end  111 . 
     The lock body opening  106  is configured to receive a lock plunger  152 . The lock plunger  152  is configured to travel within the lock body opening  106  in the longitudinal direction X such that the lock plunger  152  is fully enclosed within the lock body opening  106  when the lock plunger  152  is in a first or disengaged position (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) and at least a portion of the lock plunger  152  extends out of the lock body opening  106  when the lock plunger  152  is in a second or engaged position (as shown in  FIG. 2 ). The lock plunger  152  includes a retention edge  154  defining a retention channel  156 . The retention channel  156  is configured to receive a catch member as discussed in greater detail herein. 
     The lock plunger  152  is coupled to a tensionable member  122 . The tensionable member  122  is received within the lock body opening  106  and is coupled to the second end  112  of the lock plunger  152  and to the closed end of the lock body opening  106 . The tensionable member  122  is, in various embodiments, an extension spring or other tensionable member configured to translate the lock plunger  152  within the lock body opening  106 . As discussed in greater detail herein, in various embodiments, the tensionable member  122  is an extension spring that is in tension to retain the lock plunger  152  in the disengaged position until inertia forces of the lock plunger  152  due to acceleration caused by a sudden deceleration event of the vehicle  10  stretch out the tensionable member  122 , allowing the lock plunger  152  to translate out of the lock body  102  and connect with the bracket  16 . 
     The lock body  102  includes an edge  114  defining a catch member receiving opening  116 . The catch member receiving opening  116  is configured to receive a catch member  132  such that the catch member  132  is disposed within the catch member receiving opening  116 . The catch member  132  has a first end configured to engage with the retention channel  156  in the lock plunger  152 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . The catch member  132  also includes a second end opposite the first end. The catch member  132  is configured to travel within the opening  116  in the lateral direction Y such that at least a portion of the catch member  132  extends out of the opening  116  when the lock plunger  152  is in an engaged position (as shown in  FIG. 2 ). 
     The catch member  132  is coupled to a tensionable member  134 . The tensionable member  134  is received within the opening  116  and is coupled to the second end of the catch member  132  and to the lock body  102 . The tensionable member  134  is, in various embodiments, a spring or other tensionable member configured to translate the catch member  132  within the opening  116 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the tensionable member  134  is in a compressed position when the lock plunger  152  is in the disengaged position and extends to translate the catch member  132  within the opening  116  to engage with the lock plunger  152  in the engaged position. 
     During normal operation of the vehicle  10 , the dynamic lock mechanism  100  is in the disengaged position shown in  FIG. 1 . Upon a sudden deceleration event, the lock plunger  152  travels longitudinally within the lock body opening  106  in the lock body  102  such that a first end  121  of the lock plunger  152  extends through the opening in the lock body  102  at the first end  111 . The first end  121  of the lock plunger  152  extends through the opening  18  to engage with the bracket  16 . The catch member  132 , which is normally held in the disengaged position shown in  FIG. 1  by the lock plunger  152 , extends laterally (upward, as shown in  FIG. 2 ), to engage with the retention channel  156  and retain the lock plunger  152  in the engaged position shown in  FIG. 2 . When the lock plunger  152  is engaged with the bracket  16 , the hood  14  is restrained from incursion into the windshield  15 . 
       FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate a dynamic lock mechanism  200 , according to another embodiment of the disclosure. The vehicle  10  includes a hood  14  and a windshield (not shown, but similar in position to the windshield  15  shown in  FIG. 1 ). The hood  14  is rotatably attached to the vehicle body, and, upon a sudden deceleration event, may become detached and impact the windshield. The vehicle  10  further includes a bracket  16  coupled to the hood  14 . In various embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the bracket  16  includes an edge  17  defining an opening  18  configured to engage with a portion of the dynamic lock mechanism  200 . The vehicle  10  also includes an upper rail  24 , a component of the vehicle body. 
     The dynamic lock mechanism  200  includes a lock body  202  defining a longitudinal axis X, as shown in  FIG. 4 . An edge  204  forms an opening  206  in the lock body  202 . In various embodiments, the opening  206  extends from a first end of the lock body  202  to a second end of the lock body  202  opposite the first end. The opening  206  is open to the environment at the first end. In various embodiments, the lock body  202  is coupled to a second lock body component  203 . In various embodiments, the lock body  202  and the second lock body component  203  are a single, unitary component. In various embodiment, the lock body  202  and/or the second lock body component  203  are coupled to the upper rail  24  of the vehicle  10 . 
     The opening  206  is configured to receive a lock plunger including a lock plunger head  252  and a lock plunger engagement member  253  extending from one side of the lock plunger head  252  such that the lock plunger has a piston-shaped configuration. The lock plunger head  252  and the lock plunger engagement member  253  are configured to travel within the opening  206  in the longitudinal direction X such that at least a portion of the lock plunger engagement member  253  extends out of the opening  206  when the lock plunger engagement member  253  is in an engaged position (as shown in  FIG. 4 ). The lock plunger engagement member  253  has a first end  221  that is configured to engage with the bracket  16 . In various embodiments, the first end  221  of the lock plunger engagement member  253  includes a hook that is configured to engage with the opening  18  in the bracket  16 . 
     The lock plunger head  252  is coupled to a tensionable member  222 . In various embodiments, the tensionable member  222  is coupled to the same side of the lock plunger head  252  as the lock plunger engagement member  253 . The tensionable member  222  is received within the opening  206  and is coupled to the lock plunger head  252  such that the tensionable member  222  is in an extended position when the dynamic lock mechanism  200  is in the disengaged position shown in  FIG. 3  and is in a compressed position when the dynamic lock mechanism  200  is in the engaged position shown in  FIG. 4 . The tensionable member  222  is, in various embodiments, a spring or other tensionable member configured to translate the lock plunger head  252  and the lock plunger engagement member  253  within the opening  206 . 
     During normal operation of the vehicle  10 , the dynamic lock mechanism  200  is in the disengaged position shown in  FIG. 3 . Upon a sudden deceleration event, the spring force of the tensionable member  222  is overcome such that the lock plunger head  252  and the lock plunger engagement member  253  travel longitudinally within the opening  206  in the lock body  202 . The lock plunger engagement member  253  translates within the opening  206  such that a first end  221  of the lock plunger engagement member  253  extends through the opening  206  in the lock body  202 . The first end  221  of the lock plunger engagement member  253  extends through the opening  18  to engage with the bracket  16 , such as, for example and without limitation, a hook engaging with a U-bracket. When the lock plunger engagement member  253  is engaged with the bracket  16 , the hood is restrained from incursion into the windshield  15 . 
     In various embodiments, the dynamic lock mechanism  200  also includes a catch member (not shown) and a second tensionable member, similar to the catch member  132  and tensionable member  134  shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  and discussed herein, to engage the lock plunger engagement member  253  in the engaged position shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     As noted herein, the dynamic lock mechanisms  100 ,  200  may also be adapted to retain closure of other vehicle components, such as a glovebox door, hatch, or other component, upon a sudden vehicle deceleration event. 
     It should be emphasized that many variations and modifications may be made to the herein-described embodiments, the elements of which are to be understood as being among other acceptable examples. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims. Moreover, any of the steps described herein can be performed simultaneously or in an order different from the steps as ordered herein. Moreover, as should be apparent, the features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed herein may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or states. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or states are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or states are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. 
     Moreover, the following terminology may have been used herein. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to an item includes reference to one or more items. The term “ones” refers to one, two, or more, and generally applies to the selection of some or all of a quantity. The term “plurality” refers to two or more of an item. The term “about” or “approximately” means that quantities, dimensions, sizes, formulations, parameters, shapes and other characteristics need not be exact, hut may be approximated and/or larger or smaller, as desired, reflecting acceptable tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like and other factors known to those of skill in the art. The term. “substantially” means that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to those of skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide. 
     A plurality of items may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. Furthermore, where the terms “and” and “or” are used in conjunction with a list of items, they are to be interpreted broadly, in that any one or more of the listed items may be used alone or in combination with other listed items. The term. “alternatively” refers to selection of one of two or more alternatives and is not intended to limit the selection to only those listed alternatives or to only one of the listed alternatives at a time, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 
     While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms encompassed by the claims. The words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. As previously described, the features of various embodiments can be combined to form further exemplary aspects of the present disclosure that may not be explicitly described or illustrated. While various embodiments could have been described as providing advantages or being preferred over other embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or more desired characteristics, those of ordinary skill in the art recognize that one or more features or characteristics can be compromised to achieve desired overall system attributes, which depend on the specific application and implementation. These attributes can include, but are not limited to cost, strength, durability, life cycle cost, marketability, appearance, packaging, size, serviceability, weight, manufacturability, ease of assembly, etc. As such, embodiments described as less desirable than other embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or more characteristics are not outside the scope of the disclosure and can be desirable for particular applications.