Vehicle Door Latch Locking Lever Transition Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing operating device for a vehicle door latch malfunctions when the door-opening means is operated together with the power source, as the locking lever and cooperating member remain in the locking position, requiring unnecessary reactivation of the power source to unlock the door.
Innovation Solution
The operating device incorporates a locking lever and engagement pin that move between unlocking and locking positions, with a spring mechanism and a child-proof lever to ensure the locking lever transitions correctly between positions, preventing malfunction and improving operational capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the door-opening means is operated together with the power source, then the door should unlock, but the locking lever and cooperating member remain in the locking position causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the engagement pin engage the cam hole at the lower end position before the power source actuates the locking lever. This preliminary engagement ensures that when the locking lever moves to the unlocking position, the engagement pin is already positioned to guide and enable smooth transition, preventing the malfunction where the locking lever fails to move properly even when actuated by the power source.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement pin acts as an intermediary between the locking lever and the handle lever. By engaging the cam hole at its lower end position, the engagement pin mediates the interaction between these components, ensuring that the locking lever's movement to the unlocking position is properly transmitted and that the handle lever can be released without malfunction.
2Reliability
If the locking lever and cooperating member are in the locking position, then door security is maintained, but repeated power source activation is required which reduces operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement pin is designed to engage the cam hole at the lower end position in advance, preparing the mechanism for smooth unlocking. This preliminary positioning prevents the need for repeated power source activation, thereby improving operational efficiency while maintaining locking security when in the locked position.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism provides self-service by automatically returning the engagement pin to its initial position and assisting the locking lever's movement. This self-service function ensures the mechanism is always ready for the next operation without requiring additional power source activation, improving operational efficiency while maintaining security.
3Ease of operation
If the engagement pin engages the cam hole at the lower end position, then smooth transition to unlocking position is enabled, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement pin serves multiple functions: it engages the cam hole at the lower end position to enable smooth transition, it acts as a guide for the locking lever's movement, and it works in conjunction with the spring mechanism to ensure proper positioning. By consolidating these functions into a single component, the patent achieves smooth transitions without proportionally increasing mechanism complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement pin acts as an intermediary component that simplifies the interaction between the locking lever and the cam hole. By providing a defined engagement point at the lower end position, it mediates the complex movement requirements, enabling smooth transitions while keeping the overall mechanism design manageable.
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
This design ensures the locking lever moves to the unlocking position even after the door-opening operation, eliminating the need for repeated power source activation and enhancing the operational efficiency of the door latch mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism and a child-proof lever to ensure the locking lever transitions correctly between positions
Data Source
AI summary
A door operating device is provided in a door of a vehicle and connected to a door latch allowing a striker of the vehicle to engage with or disengage from the door latch. The door operating device comprises an outside lever, a release lever under the outside lever and a locking lever connected to an actuator. In a locking position, only the outside lever rotates, while both the outside and release levers rotates in an unlocking position. The locking lever comprises first and second lever portions which separately move. If malfunction occurs, the second lever portion is moved by an actuator.