Vehicle Door Latch Locking for Swing-Closing Rebound Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Opposing-type swing doors in vehicles without a B-pillar face interference issues during opening and closing due to overlapping rotation trajectories, necessitating a double motion, and can experience door rebounding when closed forcefully, causing damage to the latch device and hinge unit.
Innovation Solution
A door latch device with a locking unit comprising a locking claw, locking claw link, locking pawl, and release lever, which locks the striker during a swing closing operation to prevent rebounding, using a pop-up guide unit with a guide groove and springs to manage the door's motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If opposing-type swing doors are applied without B-pillar to give a good sense of openness, then passenger accessibility is improved, but rotation trajectories overlap causing interference and predetermined opening/closing order
Solution Approach 1:
The door system is divided into front door and rear door with independent hinge units, allowing each door to have its own pop-up and swing operations. This segmentation enables the rear door to operate independently without being constrained by the front door's position, resolving the interference issue caused by overlapping rotation trajectories.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge unit incorporates a dynamic mechanism that allows the door to perform two sequential motions: first a pop-up operation to clear the rotation trajectory interference, then a swing operation to open or close the door. This dynamic two-stage motion resolves the predetermined operation sequence problem.
2Productivity
If the door is closed with excessive force during swing closing operation, then closing speed is improved, but the door rebounds causing damage to the latch device and hinge unit
Solution Approach 1:
The locking unit applies a preliminary locking action during the swing closing operation by engaging the locking claw with the striker before the door fully closes. This preliminary lock prevents the door from rebounding even if excessive force is applied during closure, protecting the latch device and hinge unit from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism performs a preliminary locking action during the swing phase, engaging the locking claw with the striker before the pop-up operation completes. This preliminary engagement ensures the door remains securely locked during closure, preventing rebound and potential damage from excessive closing force.
Data Source
AI summary
A door latch device for a vehicle is disclosed. A door latch device for a vehicle is applied to a vehicle having no B-pillar. The door latch device includes a latch unit and a pop-up guide unit together with a locking unit including a locking claw, a locking claw link, a locking pawl, and a release lever rotatably mounted on the pop-up guide unit so that a striker is locked by the locking claw to prevent the door from rebounding during a swing closing operation of the door.