Hood Latch Assembly With Distributed Support Against Base Plate Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hood latch assemblies experience distortion and deformation of the base plate due to concentrated load from the striker, leading to inaccurate hood closure and opening, particularly in vehicles with large, heavy hoods.
Innovation Solution
A hood latch assembly design that includes a striker guiding path at the upper center, a latch with a ratchet contact arm, and supporting members at multiple orthants to distribute the over-rotation force, preventing deformation by supporting the latch at its upper and lower parts across a connection line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the striker guiding path is designed to receive the striker, then the hood can be latched, but the concentrated load at the bottom causes distortion and deformation of the base plate
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is segmented into multiple support regions with reinforcing members positioned at strategic locations. The reinforcing members divide the load-bearing function into multiple zones, preventing concentration of stress at a single point and thereby reducing distortion and deformation of the base plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate incorporates reinforcing members that create a composite structure. This composite design combines the base plate material with additional reinforcing elements to enhance overall strength and deformation resistance while maintaining the latching function.
2Strength
If a single reinforcing member is added to the bottom of the striker guiding path, then some distortion is reduced, but large heavy hoods still cause considerable distortion and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple reinforcing members are positioned at different locations along the striker guiding path, creating multiple support zones. This segmented approach provides comprehensive support against the large transition force generated by heavy hoods, preventing excessive distortion and maintaining latching accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing members are arranged in a distributed pattern across the base plate, transitioning from a single-point reinforcement to a multi-dimensional support network. This spatial distribution of reinforcing members enhances the base plate's ability to resist distortion under large loads while maintaining closing accuracy.
3Strength
If the latch is supported at multiple orthants, then the over-rotation force is distributed and base plate deformation is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch support function is segmented into multiple orthants ( quadrants) of the rotation center. Supporting members are positioned in these segmented regions to distribute the over-rotation force, providing comprehensive support while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting members are strategically positioned in specific orthants based on the force distribution requirements. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes the distribution of over-rotation force while minimizing the total number of supporting members needed, balancing strength requirements with structural simplicity.
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 distributed support of the over-rotation force prevents deformation and breakage of the base plate, ensuring accurate hood closure and reducing rattling noise, while maintaining efficient engagement and disengagement.
Implementation Method 1
a latch spring configured to push the latch in an unlatching direction
Implementation Method 2
a ratchet secured to the base plate by a ratchet shaft, the ratchet being configured to engage with the latch returning to the latching position from the over-rotation position by spring force of the latch spring and to maintain engagement of the latch with the striker
Data Source
AI summary
A hood latch assembly comprising: a striker; a base plate having a striker guiding path; a latch secured to the base plate by a latch shaft, the latch being configured to rotate from an unlatching position to an over-rotation position across a latching position upon engagement with the striker; a latch spring configured to push the latch in an unlatching direction; and a ratchet secured to the base plate by a ratchet shaft, the ratchet being configured to engage with the latch returning to the latching position from the over-rotation position by spring force of the latch spring and to maintain engagement of the latch with the striker, wherein the latch has a ratchet contact arm including a straight portion, the straight portion of the ratchet contact arm being configured to contact a base portion of the ratchet when the latch reaches the over-rotation position.