Automobile Door Latch Merging Force Transmission Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automobile door latch devices for slide doors require multiple operating force transmitting members, which complicates the attachment process and reduces workability.
Innovation Solution
A mesh mechanism with a latch and ratchet system, an operation mechanism including levers and a locking/unlocking mechanism, and a fully open release lever that simplifies the transmission of operating forces using fewer members, improving attachment efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple operating force transmitting members are used to connect the control unit to each latch unit, then the operating force can be transmitted to multiple units, but the number of parts increases and attachment workability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple operating force transmitting members into a single integrated member. This single member transmits operating force from the control unit to both the fully closing latch unit and the fully opening latch unit, thereby reducing the total number of parts while maintaining reliable force transmission to multiple latch units.
Solution Approach 2:
The single operating force transmitting member is designed to perform multiple functions: it transmits operating force to the fully closing latch unit and also to the fully opening latch unit. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate transmitting members for each latch unit, simplifying the overall structure.
2Reliability
If multiple operating force transmitting members are used to connect latch units to the control unit, then complete operating force transmission is achieved, but the attachment process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple transmitting members into one integrated member, the attachment process requires fewer connection points and fewer assembly steps. The single member is attached to the control unit once, yet it provides complete operating force transmission to both latch units, significantly improving attachment productivity.
3Reliability
If dedicated operating force transmitting members are used for each latch unit, then reliable force transmission is ensured, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple dedicated transmitting members into a single multi-functional member. This single member reliably transmits operating force to both the fully closing latch unit and the fully opening latch unit, maintaining transmission reliability while reducing the quantity of transmitting members from two or more to one.
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 reduces the number of operating force transmitting members, enhancing the workability of attaching the latch device to the slide door and enabling efficient operation of the latch mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
an outside lever pivotably supported on the base, and configured to receive an operating force of an outside handle disposed at the slide door to perform open actuation
Implementation Method 2
a locking/unlocking mechanism supported on the base, and configured to be switchable between an unlocked state to enable output of open actuation of the first open lever and a locked state to disable the output of open actuation of the first open lever
Implementation Method 3
a ratchet configured to engage with the latch
Implementation Method 4
the fully open release lever being connected to an operating force transmission member configured to transmit the open actuation of the fully open release lever to a fully opening latch device for holding the slide door in a fully open position
Data Source
AI summary
An automobile door latch device includes: a mesh mechanism; a body; a base; and an operation mechanism disposed on the base, the operation mechanism including: an outside lever configured to receive an operating force of an outside handle to perform open actuation; a first open lever configured to perform open actuation in conjunction with open actuation of the outside lever; a locking/unlocking mechanism; a second open lever configured to perform open actuation in conjunction with open actuation of the first open lever output from the locking/unlocking mechanism; and a fully open release lever configured to perform open actuation in conjunction with open actuation of the first open lever, wherein the fully open release lever is connected to an operating force transmission member configured to transmit the open actuation of the fully open release lever to a fully opening latch device for holding the slide door in a fully open position.