Integrated Cable Guide Groove for Low-Friction Vehicle Latches
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Solution Overview
Problem
State-of-the-art latch devices for motor vehicle door panels using Bowden cables are complex and costly due to curved sheath portions, which increase manufacturing costs and consume space, and generate excessive friction leading to premature wear.
Innovation Solution
A latch device with a housing featuring an integrated guide groove that has a curved profile with variable radii of curvature and a variable cross-section, reducing the need for curved sheath stops and minimizing friction through a funnel-shaped mouthpiece, allowing for a more compact and affordable design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If curved sheath portions are used to guide the cable, then the cable path can be directed and reoriented, but the manufacturing cost increases and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide groove is integrated directly into the housing structure, merging the guidance function with the housing rather than using separate curved sheath portions. This reduces the number of parts and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining the ability to direct the cable path through the curved profile of the integrated groove
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, contains the cable, and guides the cable through its integrated curved guide groove. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated curved sheath components, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If curved sheath portions are used to guide the cable, then the cable path can be directed, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide groove is formed as an integral part of the housing structure, combining two functions (housing and cable guidance) into one component. This reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the curved cable path capability
Solution Approach 2:
The guide groove features a curved profile with variable radii of curvature, allowing the cable to follow a controlled curved path. By optimizing the curvature parameters of the integrated groove, the design achieves effective cable guidance without requiring complex separate sheath components, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost
3Adaptability or versatility
If curved sheath portions are used to guide the cable, then the cable path can be directed, but the volume consumed increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide groove is integrated into the housing structure, eliminating the need for separate curved sheath portions. This consolidation reduces the overall volume required for cable guidance components, allowing for more compact packaging and integration within the latch device assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The guide groove utilizes the three-dimensional space within the housing by creating a curved path that efficiently directs the cable through available volume. The variable radii of curvature allow the cable to change direction within a compact footprint, optimizing space utilization
4Ease of operation
If the cable is pulled through curved sheath portions, then the cable can be moved, but friction increases causing premature wear
Solution Approach 1:
The guide groove is designed with a variable cross-section and optimized curved profile with variable radii of curvature. These parameter optimizations reduce the contact pressure and friction between the cable and the guide surface, enabling smooth cable movement while minimizing wear and extending the reliability of the latch device
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4B
Figure 5
AI summary
The present invention refers to a latch device (2) for an opening panel for a vehicle, said latch device (2) comprising at least one opening lever (4) configured to open the latch and at least one cable (6), the cable (6) being connected on one hand to an opening mean and on the other hand to the opening lever (4), characterized in that the latch device (2) comprises a housing (8) with an integrated guide groove (10) configured to slidably receive therein the cable (6) and to guide the cable (6) in motion when it is being pulled on.