Vehicle Cargo Box Latch System with Integrated Drive Bar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing car top carrier latch systems can be improperly engaged, leading to theft and accidental opening during transit, and some are vulnerable to forced opening even when locked.
Innovation Solution
A latch system featuring a drive bar and latch assemblies with a key-operated lock and toggle switch, including a latch-enabling member that ensures secure engagement and prevents accidental or forced opening by indicating the latched status through handle positions and using a lock-enabled mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional latch system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of secure closure is compromised due to improper engagement and vulnerability to forced opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple latch assemblies (first and second latch assemblies) with a common drive bar into a single integrated system. This merging ensures that both latches are actuated simultaneously by a single user input, improving reliability of secure closure while maintaining manageable complexity through systematic integration rather than independent operation of multiple latches
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates visual feedback indicators (such as window panes or transparent portions) that allow users to verify the latched status of the carrier. This feedback mechanism ensures users can confirm proper engagement without requiring complex mechanical indicators, thereby improving reliability of secure closure while adding minimal complexity to the system
2Reliability
If a simple latch mechanism is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability against theft and accidental opening deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges a key-operated lock mechanism with the latch system, where the lock controls the position of the drive bar that actuates both latches. This integration provides robust theft prevention through key security while maintaining ease of operation, as the single lock mechanism controls the entire latching system rather than requiring separate operations for multiple latches
Solution Approach 2:
The drive bar serves as an intermediary element that translates the state of the key-operated lock into the latched or unlatched position of the latch assemblies. This mediator mechanism allows the complex security function of the lock to be simplified into a straightforward latching action, providing both theft prevention and ease of operation
3Reliability
If multiple latch assemblies are used, then the reliability of secure closure is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple latch assemblies onto a single drive bar that is actuated by a unified control mechanism (key-operated lock). This merging approach improves secure engagement by ensuring multiple latches are simultaneously engaged, while controlling complexity through the common drive bar that coordinates all latch movements from a single control point
Solution Approach 2:
The drive bar serves multiple functions: it acts as the control linkage for both latch assemblies, provides structural support for mounting the latches, and serves as the transmission element for the key-operated lock. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliable secure engagement through coordinated multiple latches
Data Source
AI summary
A cargo box is configured for mounting on crossbars on top of a vehicle. The cargo box includes a control assembly for operating a latch assembly on one side of the cargo box. The control assembly includes a toggle switch which may be enabled or disabled by operation of a lock device.