Vehicle Crossbar Latch With Spring-Tolerant Sealing Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle accessory systems lack a reliable and adaptable mechanism for securely attaching crossbars to mechanical connectors on vehicles, particularly in varying configurations and over time due to manufacturing variations and wear, which affects the sealing and latching force.
Innovation Solution
A crossbar system with a pawl mechanism and a spring assembly, such as a leaf spring, that provides a latching force tolerance and sealing features, allowing for consistent latching and sealing despite variations in configuration and wear, using a spring assembly to maintain a constant force over a range of motions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid latching mechanism is used to securely attach crossbars, then the attachment strength is improved, but the mechanism becomes sensitive to manufacturing variations and wear, reducing reliability over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spring assembly that dynamically adjusts the latching force parameter. The spring allows the latching mechanism to accommodate variations in striker bar position caused by manufacturing tolerances and wear, maintaining reliable attachment by changing the force parameter rather than relying on fixed rigid geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The spring assembly acts as a cushioning element that anticipates and compensates for manufacturing variations and wear before they compromise the latching function. By incorporating compliance into the latching mechanism, the system tolerates dimensional variations without losing attachment strength or reliability
2Object-affected harmful factors
If sealing features are added to prevent water and debris ingress, then the protection level is improved, but the complexity of the attachment mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing function with the existing latching components. The sealing features are integrated into the crossbar and connector structures that already exist in the attachment mechanism, rather than adding separate sealing systems. This merging approach provides protection against water and debris while minimizing additional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The connector and crossbar components serve multiple functions: mechanical latching, positioning, and sealing. By making these components multi-functional, the patent achieves protection against harmful factors without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same structures perform both structural and sealing roles
3Stability of the object's composition
If a spring assembly is used to maintain constant latching force, then the consistency of attachment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring assembly introduces a compliant element that automatically adjusts the latching force parameter to remain constant despite variations in striker bar position. The spring's elastic properties provide this parameter change capability, allowing the force to be maintained within a specified range without complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The spring assembly is a passive, self-regulating mechanism that automatically maintains constant latching force through its elastic properties. It requires no external control systems, sensors, or active components to regulate the force, making the complexity increase minimal while achieving stable attachment composition
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 system ensures secure and reliable attachment of crossbars to vehicle connectors with consistent latching force and sealing, accommodating manufacturing variations and wear without requiring frequent adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a spring assembly mechanically coupled to the pawl and configured to provide a latching force tolerance for the pawl to releasably secure the crossbar to the mechanical connector
Implementation Method 2
The spring assembly may include a leaf spring
Implementation Method 3
The one or more sealing features may include an outer sealing feature configured to form a first seal between the mechanical connector and an outermost surface of the crossbar, and an inner sealing feature configured to form a second seal between the striker bar of the mechanical connector and another surface of the crossbar
Data Source
AI summary
A crossbar for a vehicle may include a latch mechanism that provides a latch force that is maintained across various mounting conditions and/or changes in the mounting conditions. In various implementations, the latch mechanism is provided with a spring assembly coupled to a pawl this actuatable to releasably secure the crossbar to the vehicle.