Vehicle Door Module Latch Accessibility via Dry Side Carrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding vehicle door modules lack easily accessible locking mechanisms, requiring the entire module to be removed for servicing due to their installation within the door cavity.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a door module with a carrier that mounts functional hardware components, including latches, on a dry side accessible from the inner door panel, using latch presenters and reinforcement plates to position latches outside the door cavity, allowing for easy access and service by removing trim panels and reinforcement plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If locking mechanisms are installed within the door cavity in existing door modules, then the door module can be compact and integrated, but the locking mechanisms become difficult to service requiring entire module removal
Solution Approach 1:
The door module is segmented into distinct functional zones: a dry zone containing the latch mechanism and a wet zone containing moisture-sensitive components. The latch presenter acts as a separate accessible interface that allows service technicians to reach the locking mechanism through the aperture without removing the entire door module, thus maintaining integration while enabling easy repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch presenter serves as an intermediary component that bridges the aperture opening and the latch mechanism. It provides a protected pathway through which service tools can access the locking mechanism from the exterior, eliminating the need to disassemble the entire door module while maintaining the integrated design.
2Shape
If latches are positioned within the door cavity, then the door structure remains compact, but maintenance requires disassembly of the entire module
Solution Approach 1:
The latch presenter is pre-configured with opening access through the aperture during manufacturing. This preliminary arrangement of accessible pathways allows maintenance personnel to service the latch mechanism directly without time-consuming disassembly of the entire door module, significantly reducing maintenance time while preserving the compact door structure.
3Device complexity
If the carrier mounts components on the wet side facing the door cavity, then all components are integrated in one location, but locking mechanisms become inaccessible for service
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is designed with differentiated mounting zones: the wet side mounts moisture-sensitive components facing the door cavity, while the dry side mounts the latch mechanism with access through the aperture. This local differentiation allows the latch to be positioned in a location that is both integrated with other components and accessible for service, resolving the contradiction between integration and accessibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
In an example, a vehicle door module has a carrier carrying a plurality of functional door hardware components. The carrier defines a wet side facing towards a door cavity and a dry side facing away from the door cavity. The door includes an inner door panel having a front pocket and a rear pocket. The carrier includes front and rear latch presenters and carries front and rear door latches on the dry side thereof which seat in the front and rear door pockets. The latches are connected to reinforcement plates which are connected by fasteners at positions surrounding the door pockets thus enabling each latch to be easily accessed for service by simply removing the corresponding reinforcement plate, which may be located under an easily removed interior trim panel.