Vehicle Door Latch Lever Link Switching Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle door latch devices face challenges in versatility, as the operation force required to operate the ratchet varies significantly depending on the position of the door handle, limiting their installation in different types of doors without altering the operation force.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle door latch device design featuring a sub-lever and handle lever that can be replaced based on door handle position, with parallel and differently positioned rotary shafts, and a lever lock for switching between locked and unlocked states, ensuring consistent operation force and improved versatility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the transmission cable is coupled to different coupling portions (first or second) to accommodate different door handle positions, then the versatility of the latch device is improved, but the operation force required to operate the ratchet varies greatly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveversatilityVSAvoidoperation force
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a switchable lever system where the lever link can be dynamically repositioned between a first position (coupled to the first coupling portion) and a second position (coupled to the second coupling portion). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the operation force transmission member to maintain a substantially constant angle with the lever link regardless of door handle position, thereby keeping the operation force substantially constant while accommodating different door configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameter of the lever link from a fixed position to a switchable position. By providing a switching mechanism that allows the lever link to be positioned in either a first or second position, the system can adapt to different door handle positions while maintaining substantially constant operation force through the angle-maintaining coupling mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Force

If the latch device is designed for a specific door handle position, then the operation force remains constant, but the versatility to install in different types of doors is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation forceVSAvoidversatility
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a universal latch device through the provision of multiple coupling portions and a switchable lever link mechanism. The lever link can be repositioned between a first position and a second position, allowing the same latch device to be installed in different types of doors with different door handle positions while maintaining substantially constant operation force in each configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces dynamic reconfigurability through the switchable lever link that can be positioned in different configurations. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the latch device to adapt to various door handle positions while maintaining consistent operation force characteristics, achieving both versatility and force consistency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4382701A1Vehicle door latch device
Publication Date: 2024.06.12 HI-LEX ACT CORP
  • EP4382701A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4382701A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4382701A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A vehicle door latch device includes a latch configured to engage with a striker provided on a vehicle body, a ratchet configured to engage with the latch, a lever link configured to release engagement of the ratchet with the latch, a sub-lever configured to rotate about a first rotary shaft and operate the lever link, and a handle lever configured to rotate about a second rotary shaft and operate the sub-lever. The handle lever is provided with a coupling portion to which an operation force transmission member for transmitting an operation force applied to a door handle is to be coupled. The first rotary shaft and the second rotary shaft are arranged parallel to each other and at different positions in a vehicle upperlower direction and in a vehicle front-rear direction.