Asymmetrical Toggle Spring Child Lock Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child lock mechanisms in motor vehicle closure systems lack tactile feedback to indicate their operational state, making it difficult for users to determine if the mechanism is in the 'on' or 'off' position, and they are not easily manufacturable or reliable in maintaining the intended 'on' position.
Innovation Solution
A child lock mechanism with a spring system comprising a first and second spring member, requiring different forces to move between 'on' and 'off' positions, providing tactile feedback through asymmetrical resistance, and formed as a single monolithic piece for ease of manufacture and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a uniform spring force is used in the child lock mechanism, then the mechanism is simple to manufacture, but the user cannot receive tactile feedback to indicate the operational state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using two different spring members (first spring member and second spring member) with different force characteristics. The first spring member provides a first spring force while the second spring member provides a second spring force, creating asymmetric resistance during rotation. This asymmetry provides tactile feedback to the user indicating the operational state (on/off position) without complicating the manufacturing process, as the springs are integrated into a single lever component.
2Reliability
If the spring force is made great enough to ensure the child lock remains in the on position, then the mechanism is reliable, but it becomes difficult to actuate from off to on position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the spring force variable rather than constant. The first spring member and second spring member are configured to provide different spring forces at different positions during rotation. This dynamic force variation allows the mechanism to be easily actuated from off to on position while maintaining reliability once in the on position, as the spring force adapts to the operational requirements at each stage.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single monolithic spring system is used, then the device is easy to manufacture and assemble, but the packaging space may be constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by positioning the first spring member and second spring member in nested or overlying relation. The springs are arranged concentrically or in overlapping configurations, allowing them to occupy minimal space while maintaining their individual force characteristics. This nested arrangement enables easy manufacturing and assembly as a single monolithic piece while minimizing the volume required for the spring system.
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 mechanism ensures the child lock remains in the 'on' position until intended to be changed, providing clear tactile feedback to the user about its state, enhancing user experience and manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a spring system including a first spring member and a separate second spring member spaced in overlying relation with one another
Data Source
AI summary
A latch assembly is provided with a child lock mechanism having a spring system including a first spring member and a separate second spring member that requires a first force to move the child lock mechanism from an off position to an on position and a second force to move the child lock mechanism from the on position to the off position, wherein the required second force is greater than the required first force, thereby indicating to a user by tactile feedback the relative position (on/off) the child lock mechanism is in, thereby assuring intended movement of the child lock mechanism from one of the on/off positions to the other.