Vehicle Door Latch Cam Arrangement for Integrated Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current closure latch assemblies for vehicle doors are complex and bulky, failing to efficiently integrate power-operated features like power lock, child lock, and double pull release mechanisms while meeting regulatory requirements.
Innovation Solution
A closure latch assembly with a ratchet and pawl mechanism, powered by a single motor, incorporating a cam arrangement that allows for a double pull override feature, enabling both child lock and lock functions with reduced complexity and packaging, and providing three distinct lock states: locked, unlocked, and child-locked.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate mechanisms are used for power lock, child lock, and double pull release, then each function can be reliably implemented, but the overall device complexity and packaging volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power lock, child lock, and double pull release mechanisms into a single integrated closure latch assembly. The cam arrangement integrates multiple locking functions (locked, unlocked, and child-locked states) into one mechanical system, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms and reducing overall complexity while maintaining functional reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The cam arrangement serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power lock engagement, enables child lock mode, and facilitates double pull release operation. This multi-functional component resolves the contradiction by consolidating what would traditionally require separate mechanisms into a single universal element
2Device complexity
If a single motor is used for both power lock and child lock functions, then device complexity is reduced, but the mechanism must handle multiple operational states reliably
Solution Approach 1:
The cam arrangement dynamically transitions between three distinct positions corresponding to locked, unlocked, and child-locked states. The cam's variable geometry allows a single motor to reliably control multiple states through controlled positional changes, resolving the contradiction between using one motor and maintaining reliable state transitions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the cam's rotational position parameter to achieve different locking states. By varying the cam angle and position rather than using separate motors, the system reliably transitions between states while minimizing the number of actuators required
3Volume of stationary object
If the latch assembly is designed with reduced complexity, then packaging volume decreases, but the integration of power-operated features becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cam arrangement is nested within the existing latch mechanism housing, with the cam profile integrated into the structural components. This nesting approach reduces packaging volume while the modular cam design facilitates manufacturing and assembly, resolving the contradiction between compact packaging and ease of integration
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 solution simplifies the latch assembly's design, reduces complexity, and effectively integrates power-operated features, ensuring secure and efficient operation while adhering to regulatory standards, allowing for seamless transition between lock states.
Implementation Method 1
The lock mechanism further includes a cam arrangement having a lock cam rotatable between an unlocking position whereat the lock cam permits the lock link to pivot to the unlock position and a locking position whereat the lock cam pivots the lock link to the lock position.
Implementation Method 2
The closure latch assembly includes a latch mechanism having a ratchet and a pawl. The ratchet is movable between an open position and a closed position and is biased toward the open position.
Implementation Method 3
The ratchet is movable between an open position and a closed position and is biased toward the open position. The pawl is movable between a ratchet holding position whereat the pawl holds the ratchet in the closed position and a ratchet releasing position whereat the pawl permits the ratchet to move to the open position, the pawl being biased toward the ratchet locking position.
Data Source
AI summary
A closure latch assembly for a vehicle door includes a latch mechanism and a lock mechanism. The lock mechanism includes a lock link pivotable between unlock and lock positions, and dual cam arrangement which functions in coordination with rotation of a power lock gear to establish a first locked state where a first cam holds the lock link its lock position and a second locked state where a second cam holds the lock link in its lock position. An unlocked state is established when neither of the first and second cams engage the lock link in its unlock position.