Vehicle Door Latch Release Cancel Mechanism

Solution Overview

Problem

In vehicle door latch systems with electric driving mechanisms, release restriction states can occur due to electric system failures, preventing door closure without manual intervention, requiring occupants to consult manuals for resolution.

Innovation Solution

A door latch system incorporating a ratchet mechanism with an electric driving mechanism, a latch interlocking mechanism, and a release cancel mechanism that automatically disconnects the operation force transmission path when a release restriction state is detected, allowing the ratchet to return to its engagement position and enable door closure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the ratchet is moved to the release position by the electric driving mechanism, then the door can be opened, but the ratchet may be stopped at the release position due to electric system failures, causing a release restriction state that prevents door closure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor opening operationVSAvoiddoor closure functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the release restriction state through the latch interlocking mechanism and self-corrects by activating the release cancel mechanism to return the ratchet to the engagement position, eliminating the need for manual intervention or special operations by the occupant

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The latch interlocking mechanism provides feedback about the latch position and ratchet state to the control unit, which then activates the release cancel mechanism when a release restriction state is detected, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically resolves the issue

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the release restriction state is canceled by handle operation of the occupant, then the door can be closed, but the occupant must know the specific operation method and consult manuals, increasing the time required to resolve the issue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor closure functionalityVSAvoidtime to cancel release restriction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects the release restriction state through the latch interlocking mechanism and self-corrects by activating the release cancel mechanism to return the ratchet to the engagement position, eliminating the need for manual intervention or special operations by the occupant

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The latch interlocking mechanism provides feedback about the latch position and ratchet state to the control unit, which then activates the release cancel mechanism when a release restriction state is detected, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically resolves the issue

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9670700B2Door latch system for vehicle

Publication Date: 2017.06.06 HI-LEX ACT CORP

AI summary

A door latch system for a vehicle includes: a latch interlocking mechanism arranged to be actuated in a release cancel direction from a neutral position to be interlocked with the pivot movement of the latch in a predetermined direction; and a release cancel mechanism arranged to be actuated from a connection state where an operation force transmitting path for transmitting the power of the electric driving mechanism to the ratchet is connected, to a disconnection state where the operation force transmitting path is disconnected, by the actuation of the latch interlocking mechanism in the release cancel direction from the neutral position, the release cancel mechanism being arranged to be actuated from the connection state to the disconnection state when the ratchet is in a release restriction state so as to enable the ratchet to return to the engagement position.