Backrest Latch Damping Web for Tolerance and Force Absorption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicle latches face challenges in managing installation tolerances and absorbing higher forces, leading to potential damage to the damping means, especially when the latch holder moves at an angle or offset, and existing designs are prone to brittleness and tearing under high forces.
Innovation Solution
The damping means features an arched web convexly curved against the direction of entry, which diverts forces evenly into two arched legs and a surrounding frame, combined with a straight stop web and connecting web, allowing for effective force absorption and distribution, preventing damage and maintaining quiet operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the damping means is designed with straight webs as in the prior art, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot absorb higher forces and is prone to damage under high loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by designing the web as an arched structure instead of a straight web. The arched web with its convex curvature against the direction of entry distributes forces more effectively along the arch, enabling the damping means to absorb higher forces without becoming brittle or tearing, while maintaining integration with the latch housing.
2Ease of manufacture
If the damping means is made from the latch housing plastics material, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but it becomes vulnerable to damage under high forces
Solution Approach 1:
The arched web design transforms the structural behavior of the plastics material, allowing it to distribute and absorb higher forces through the arch mechanism, thereby maintaining both cost-effectiveness and improved force resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a third dimension by creating an arched web with convex curvature, transforming the flat web structure into a three-dimensional arch that can better withstand and distribute forces, improving strength without adding separate components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the latch holder moves at an angle or offset, then installation flexibility is improved, but the damping means becomes prone to damage due to uneven force distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The arched web's convex curvature creates a structure that naturally distributes forces along its curve, preventing concentration of stress at single points. This allows the damping means to accommodate angular and offset movements during installation while maintaining durability and preventing damage.
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
This design significantly enhances the ability to absorb higher forces and manage manufacturing tolerances and aging effects, preventing damage to the damping means while ensuring quiet operation and secure locking without metallic contact noise.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one web as part of the damping means is designed as an arched web and its highest arch is convexly curved against the direction of entry of the latch holder
Implementation Method 2
which diverts forces evenly into two arched legs and a surrounding frame
Implementation Method 3
the latch holder moving against the elastic damping means and is thereby, as it were, clamped and fixed or 'immobilized.' As a result, there are no undesirable 'creaking' or 'metallic' noises
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle latch, in particular a motor vehicle backrest latch, which is equipped with a locking mechanism consisting substantially of a catch and a pawl. A latch housing having a recess is also implemented. In addition, a damping means at the end side of the recess, a latch holder entering the recess in the direction of entry transferring the locking mechanism to its closed position, thereby moving against the damping means. In addition, the damping means has a plurality of recesses and at least one web. According to the invention, the web is designed as an arched web and its highest arch is convexly curved against the direction of entry of the latch holder.