Supplier Touts Auto-Lock System That Secures Doors in a Crash

Kiekert AG, a German supplier of automotive door latch systems, has developed a lightweight mechanical device that prevents a vehicle's doors from springing open in a crash.

The system consists of a blocking lever within the latch mechanism than is engaged by high rates of acceleration. Inertial loads created by an impact activate the system regardless of their direction, according to Kiekert. The blocking lever temporarily prevents the door latch from opening until the vehicle comes to rest.

The company says the system's simplicity and light weight has attracted carmaker interest and will be incorporated into several unspecified models within two years.

Kiekert currently is expanding its engineering and production complex in Wixom, Mich., where it intends to boost its annual output of door latch modules from 350,000 units currently to 1.5 million by 2015.