Vehicle Door Latch Bracket Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door latch systems on vehicles, particularly those used in earth moving and construction applications, face challenges with structural stresses due to high loads from operation, which can deform or break the door and window, and do not provide adequate visibility for operators.
Innovation Solution
A latch load distribution system comprising a door with a large window area, a latch bracket longer than the mount width, and a door handle coupled to the latch bracket, which is suspended across the window, providing increased structural integrity and stress resistance through a triangular configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a traditional latch system is mounted on a door with a small window area, then the structural stresses can be absorbed by a larger door frame area, but the operator visibility is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The latch bracket extends in the third dimension (depth) by protruding into the door frame cavity, allowing the load distribution area to be increased without increasing the visible window area. This dimensional transition enables the latch to span across a larger effective area while maintaining a compact front profile that preserves visibility.
2Strength
If the latch bracket length is increased to distribute loads over a larger area, then the structural integrity is improved, but the mount width available on the door frame is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The latch bracket transitions from a two-dimensional mounting surface to a three-dimensional structure by extending into the door frame cavity. This allows the bracket length to exceed the mount width by utilizing the depth dimension, effectively distributing loads over a larger area without requiring a wider mounting surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch bracket is nested within the door frame cavity, with the primary end extending into the cavity space. This nesting arrangement allows the bracket to utilize the internal volume of the door frame, enabling a longer effective length for load distribution while maintaining a compact external profile.
3Strength
If the latch bracket is mounted with a longer length to improve stress resistance, then the structural integrity is enhanced, but the complexity of the mounting structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch bracket is divided into distinct functional segments: a mounting portion that attaches to the door frame and a latch portion that engages with the door. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall design and manufacturing process.
Data Source
AI summary
A latch load distribution system and method for assembling such for a vehicle are disclosed. The latch load distribution system may comprise a window, a door, a latch bracket and a door handle. The door may include a window and a door frame surrounding the window. The door frame may include an inner panel and an outer panel joined to the inner panel. The outer panel may define a cavity having an inner sidewall and a mouth with a mount width. The latch bracket may have a latch bracket length, and may include a primary end, a body and a secondary end. The primary end may be disposed in the cavity and may be coupled to the outer panel. The door handle may be coupled to the door frame and the latch bracket.