Adjustable Decklid Latch Cam Mechanism Gap Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle decklid doors often result in a large gap between the decklid and the vehicle body structure due to component tolerances, leading to over-travel issues and potential paint chipping, while reducing this gap too much can cause damage during closure.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable latch assembly with a cam mechanism that allows for the adjustment of the striker's position relative to the vehicle body structure, using a rotatable cam and movable base members to adjust the decklid's closed position, thereby reducing the gap while preventing over-travel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the decklid margin is reduced to minimize the gap, then the appearance of the vehicle is improved, but paint chipping occurs due to decklid-to-fascia contact during over-travel
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is made adjustable through a threaded rod and locknut assembly, allowing the closed position of the decklid to be dynamically repositioned. This enables the system to adapt to different gap requirements while maintaining sufficient clearance to prevent contact damage during over-travel.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the decklid margin is increased to prevent over-travel damage, then paint chipping is prevented, but the appearance of the vehicle deteriorates due to larger gap
Solution Approach 1:
The position of the striker relative to the latch mechanism is made variable through threaded adjustment. By changing the positional parameter of the striker, the system can optimize the gap size to balance appearance requirements with protection against over-travel damage.
3Device complexity
If fixed latch positioning is used to simplify the mechanism, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to adjust for tolerances and optimize appearance is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is divided into separable components including the striker, latch mechanism, and adjustable mounting elements. This segmentation allows individual components to be positioned and adjusted independently, providing flexibility without requiring complete redesign of the entire latch 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 adjustable latch assembly effectively reduces the gap between the decklid and the vehicle body structure, enhancing the vehicle's appearance while preventing damage from over-travel and paint chipping, by allowing precise adjustment of the striker's position.
Implementation Method 1
an adjustment mechanism including a cam member that is rotatably connected to a selected one of the striker and the latch base, and a movable base member that is connected to the other of the striker and the latch base. The movable base member includes an engagement surface slidably engaging the cam surface such that rotation of the cam member moves the base member
Implementation Method 2
A threaded first connector operably interconnects the striker and the vehicle body structure such that rotation of the threaded connector shifts the striker relative to the vehicle body structure
Data Source
AI summary
A decklid assembly includes a striker that movably engages a vehicle body structure. The striker includes first and second opposed surfaces that face each other. The decklid assembly includes a decklid having a latch that releasably engages the striker. A cam is rotatably mounted to the body structure. The cam is disposed between the opposed surfaces of the striker, such that rotation of the cam in first and second directions causes the cam to engage the first and second opposed surfaces, respectively, thereby shifting the striker up and down, respectively.