Vehicle Door Latch Release Device with Emergency Restriction Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latch release devices for vehicle doors lack a mechanism to prevent unnecessary emergency operations, as the same button is used for both normal and emergency operations, potentially leading to accidental emergency releases.
Innovation Solution
A latch release device with a distinct operating member for restriction release and emergency operation restriction means, where the emergency operation is restricted when the restriction release member is not operated, allowing emergency operation only upon activation of the restriction release member, and is integrated into the grip portion of the inside handle with the push button for latch release positioned above and the restriction release member below.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the same open button is used for both normal operation and emergency operation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential unnecessary emergency operations
Solution Approach 1:
The single open button is segmented into two distinct operating members: a push button for normal operation and an operating member for restriction release for emergency operation. This segmentation allows each button to have a dedicated function, preventing unnecessary emergency operations while maintaining operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
An operating member for restriction release is introduced as an intermediary component between the user and the emergency operation function. This intermediary ensures that emergency operation can only be activated when the user intentionally operates the restriction release member, adding a layer of control to prevent accidental emergency releases.
2Reliability
If emergency operation restriction means is added to prevent unnecessary emergency operations, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency operation restriction means is merged with the operating member for restriction release, where the restriction release member itself serves as the control mechanism. This integration allows the restriction function to be built into the existing button structure rather than adding a completely separate system, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A latch release device for a vehicle door is provided which includes an electric actuator that can exert power for latch release for releasing a latched state of a door, a latch mechanism that releases the latched state of the door in response to actuation of the electric actuator or input of a mechanical latch release operating force, and an operating member for latch release that enables normal operation by a vehicle user so as to actuate the electric actuator and emergency operation by a vehicle user so as to input a mechanical latch release operating force into the latch mechanism, wherein the emergency operation of an operating member for latch release (29) is restricted and emergency operation restriction means (38) restricts emergency operation of the operating member for latch release (29) when an operating member for restriction release (37) that a vehicle user can operate is in a non-operated state. This enables an emergency operation of a latch release operating member to be prevented from being carried out unnecessarily.