Automobile Door Latch Cam Mechanism for Emergency Lock Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing automobile door latch device with a knob-less type locking mechanism fails to function properly due to prolonged locked state causing grease hardening or rust, and requires a battery voltage drop to switch between locked and unlocked states, which hinders emergency operations and cannot switch states without releasing the latch mechanism meshing.
Innovation Solution
An automobile door latch device with a rotating cam mechanism that allows switching between locked and unlocked states using a single motor, enabling the locking mechanism to function in emergencies and preventing operational failures by releasing and re-locking the latch mechanism meshing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the locking mechanism is maintained in a locked state for a long time in a knob-less type device, then the device structure is simplified and automation is improved, but the locking mechanism may fail due to grease hardening or rust formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by automatically switching the locking mechanism between locked and unlocked states using a rotating cam driven by a motor. The cam rotates to alternately engage and disengage the locking lever, ensuring regular movement of locking components to prevent grease hardening and rust formation while maintaining automated operation.
2Device complexity
If a single motor is used to switch the locking mechanism between locked and unlocked states, then device complexity is reduced, but the motor must perform multiple functions including releasing the latch mechanism meshing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single motor to perform multiple functions through a rotating cam mechanism. The cam is configured with different engagement surfaces that interact with both the latch mechanism and the locking mechanism, allowing one motor to control door release, locking state switching, and prevent unintended activation, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining functional versatility.
3Productivity
If the locking mechanism is switched from unlocked to locked state without releasing the latch mechanism meshing first, then operational efficiency is improved, but the single motor cannot achieve this state transition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by using a rotating cam that can dynamically adjust its engagement position and rotation angle. The cam's flexible engagement design allows it to interact with different components (latch mechanism or locking mechanism) based on the current state, enabling the motor to switch the locking state without first releasing the latch meshing, thereby improving operational efficiency while maintaining manageable mechanism complexity.
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
Ensures the locking mechanism functions reliably in emergencies and allows switching between locked and unlocked states solely with a single motor, preventing operational failures and maintaining mechanism functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating cam that is able to: rotate in a normal direction or a reverse direction from a reference position by power of the motor against a biasing force of a spring; and return to the reference position by a biasing force of the spring
Data Source
AI summary
A latch device including: a latch mechanism configured to hold a door at a closing position; an electric releasing mechanism configured to release meshing of the latch mechanism; a manual releasing mechanism configured to release meshing of the latch mechanism; and a lock configured to switch between a locked state of the manual releasing mechanism and an unlocked state, wherein the electric releasing mechanism is configured to switch the lock from the locked state to the unlocked state by releasing meshing of the latch mechanism and switch the lock from the unlocked state to the locked state when a rotating cam returns to a reference position by a biasing force of a spring, when the lock is in the locked state and the rotating cam rotates by a predetermined angle in a first direction from the reference position by power of a motor against a biasing force of the spring.