Vehicle Door Latch Inner Handle Lever Override Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing vehicle door latch systems with override functions face issues of increased manufacturing costs, deteriorated assemblability, and frequent malfunction due to the complexity of lever components, which can lead to jamming and damage when multiple users operate the inner handle and door lock button simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A simplified vehicle door latch design that reduces the number of lever components by using an inner handle lever with first and second contact ends to interlock with the handle open lever and inner link lever, transmitting rotational force through a torsion spring to the inner lock lever, allowing sequential unlocking and opening operations without direct interlocking, thus minimizing interference and malfunction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lever components are added to implement override function, then the override function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lever components into a single integrated lever that performs multiple functions. The inner handle lever integrates the functions of previously separate levers, reducing component count while maintaining the override function capability. This merging approach directly addresses the contradiction by simplifying the device structure without sacrificing functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner handle lever is designed as a multi-functional component that can interact with multiple other components (handle open lever, inner link lever, inner lock lever) to perform different operations. This universal design allows a single component to replace multiple specialized components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full override functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lever components are added to implement override function, then the override function is achieved, but the assemblability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple lever components into a single integrated inner handle lever, the patent reduces the number of assembly steps and connections required. Fewer components mean fewer assembly operations, improved assemblability, and reduced manufacturing complexity while maintaining the complete override function.
3Ease of operation
If lever components are interlocked to release lock state, then the override function operates, but the lever components may jam or malfunction when operated simultaneously by multiple users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a buffer between the inner handle lever and the inner link lever that can absorb and accommodate simultaneous or conflicting operations. This buffer mechanism prevents jamming and malfunction by providing compliance when multiple users operate the system simultaneously, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving ease of operation.
4Ease of manufacture
If the number of lever components is reduced, then the manufacturing costs decrease and assemblability improves, but the complexity of controlling the simplified structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The simplified lever structure is designed to automatically perform the necessary control functions through its inherent mechanical design. The inner handle lever's geometry and interaction points with other components enable it to self-regulate and control the unlocking sequence without requiring additional control mechanisms, thereby reducing both manufacturing costs and control 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
The design effectively prevents damage and malfunction of lever components while maintaining the override function, ensuring reliable operation even when multiple operations are performed simultaneously, and reduces the risk of jamming and component breakage.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member fastened between the inner link lever and the inner lock lever so as to transmit a rotational force of the inner link lever in the unlocking direction to the inner lock lever
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a vehicle door checker that includes: an open lever configured to rotate a pawl in an open direction; a handle open lever having a link pin insertion groove; an inner handle lever connected to an inner handle cable and including a first contact end and a second contact end configured to come into contact with the handle open lever while being rotated in the open direction; an inner link lever configured to come into contact with the first contact end when the inner handle lever is rotated in the open direction; an inner lock lever configured to share a rotation axis with the inner link lever; an elastic member fastened between the inner link lever and the inner lock lever; and a link including a link pin interlocked with rotation of the inner lock lever in an unlocking direction.