Vehicle Door Latch Manual Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical vehicle door latches require disassembly to revert to normal functioning after a malfunction, such as a power shortage, which is inconvenient and requires technical intervention.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle door latch with a back-up manual release mechanism that allows users to easily switch between electrical and manual operation, featuring a rotatable hook, pawl mechanism, electrical motor, and a manual release mechanism with actuation means and blocking means for secure locking and unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a back-up manual mechanism is provided in case of electrical latch misfunctioning, then user safety is ensured, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual release mechanism is merged with the electrical latch assembly, sharing common components such as the pawl mechanism, hook, and casing. This integration allows the manual backup function to be added without proportionally increasing overall device complexity, as the manual mechanism utilizes existing structural elements of the electrical latch.
Solution Approach 2:
The pawl mechanism serves dual functions: it controls the hook engagement in normal electrical operation and enables manual release when electrical power is unavailable. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while ensuring user safety.
2Ease of repair
If disassembly is required to revert to normal functioning after malfunction, then the electrical latch can be restored, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The manual release mechanism is designed to be operated directly by the user without requiring disassembly or technical intervention. The release lever provides a simple interface that allows users to manually disengage the hook and open the door in case of electrical failure, enabling self-service recovery and eliminating the need for technician assistance.
3Ease of operation
If the manual release mechanism is made easily reversible, then user convenience is improved, but the reliability of the locking mechanism may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The manual release mechanism incorporates a reversible design where the release lever can be operated in both directions: pulling to release the door and pushing to re-engage the locking position. This dynamic reversibility allows users to easily switch between locked and unlocked states while maintaining security, as the mechanism provides positive engagement in both positions through the pawl-and-ratchet arrangement.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention refers to a vehicle door latch (1) comprising: - a casing (3) configured to be arranged on a door of a vehicle and comprising an opening (7) configured for receiving a striker (9) in the closed position of the door, the striker (9) being arranged on a vehicle body, - a rotatable hook (11) disposed in the casing (3) and configured to get detachably engaged with the striker (9) by rotating between a closed position and an opened position, - a pawl mechanism (13) disposed in the casing (3) and configured for moving between a blocking position wherein the pawl mechanism (13) blocks the rotation of the rotatable hook (11) and a release position, - an electrical motor (15) linked to the pawl (13) and configured for moving the pawl (13) from its blocking position to its release position and conversely, - a manual release mechanism (27) comprising actuation means (31, 35) linked to the pawl mechanism (13) and extending outside of the casing (3) and comprising a lever (29) that can be grabbed by a user to manually move the pawl mechanism (13) from its blocking position to its release position and conversely, the manual release mechanism (27) also comprising blocking means (39, 41) for blocking the actuation means (31, 35) in the release position or in the blocking position of the pawl mechanism (13).