Door Latch Jamming Assembly Impact Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
During a side impact event, existing door latch mechanisms may inadvertently open a vehicle door due to applied impact energy, posing a safety concern.
Innovation Solution
A door latch jamming assembly is introduced, featuring a jamming member that moves into the latch mechanism in response to side impact forces, preventing the latch from transitioning from a closed to an open orientation by being pushed into the latch mechanism, thereby keeping the door closed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional door latch mechanism is used, then the door can be opened normally during regular operation, but the door may inadvertently open during a side impact event due to applied impact energy
Solution Approach 1:
The door retention system is segmented into two independent subsystems: a traditional latch mechanism for normal operation and a separate jamming mechanism for impact events. The jamming mechanism includes a独立的 jamming member (36) and end portion (38) that operates separately from the latch, allowing each subsystem to optimize its function without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The jamming member (36) is pre-positioned within the jamming mechanism housing (34) and spring-loaded to be ready for immediate deployment. Upon impact, the end portion (38) is pushed inward, which automatically triggers the jamming member to extend into the latch mechanism and prevent door opening, eliminating the need for active sensing or control systems.
2Reliability
If a spring-biased jamming member is added to prevent door opening during impact, then door safety during impact events is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring (44) acts as a counterweight system, providing a pre-loaded force that biases the jamming member (36) into a ready-to-deploy position. This passive spring mechanism automatically counteracts impact forces without requiring active power sources, sensors, or control electronics, maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliable deployment during side impact events.
Solution Approach 2:
The jamming mechanism is designed to be self-activating through the deformation of the door panel (18) during impact. When the door panel deforms, it pushes the end portion (38) inward, which automatically triggers the spring (44) to drive the jamming member (36) into the latch mechanism. The system uses the impact energy itself to activate the protective function without requiring external sensing or control systems.
3Speed
If the end portion extends toward the outer door panel to detect impact forces, then response to impact events is improved, but the risk of premature activation or false triggering increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end portion (38) and jamming member (36) are merged into a single integrated component that moves together as one unit. This eliminates relative motion between separate parts and ensures that the same force that deforms the door panel also directly actuates the jamming mechanism, providing a reliable and immediate response to genuine impact events while preventing false activation from minor vibrations or noise.
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
Effectively prevents the door from opening during side impact events, ensuring safety by maintaining the door in a closed position through the use of a spring-biased jamming member and end portion that deforms under impact forces to obstruct the latch mechanism's operation.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-biased jamming member and end portion that deforms under impact forces
Implementation Method 2
end portion that deforms under impact forces to obstruct the latch mechanism's operation
Data Source
AI summary
A door latch jamming assembly includes a vehicle door assembly having an outer door panel, a latch mechanism and a jamming mechanism. The latch mechanism has a member movable between a door closed orientation and a door open orientation. The latch mechanism is installed to the vehicle door assembly inboard of the outer door panel. The jamming mechanism is installed to the latch mechanism. The jamming mechanism has a jamming member and an end portion coupled to the jamming member. The end portion extends away from the latch mechanism toward the outer door panel. In response to an impact event impacting forces press the outer door panel against the end portion pushing the end portion toward the latch mechanism. Consequently, the jamming member is also moved by the end portion into the latch mechanism preventing the member of the latch mechanism from moving away from the door closed orientation.