Vehicle Door Latch Single-Motor Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door latch apparatuses require complex configurations and larger sizes to manage locking, unlocking, and double locking operations with a single motor, making them inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle door latch apparatus featuring a meshing mechanism unit and an operating mechanism unit with a rotating member, double locking switching lever, and elastic holding members, allowing for simple operation of locking and unlocking states and double locking states using a single motor by rotating the rotating member in predetermined directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a single motor is used to control both locking/unlocking mechanism and double locking mechanism, then the number of motors is reduced, but the operations and configurations of parts become complex and the apparatus size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operating mechanism is divided into two independent mechanisms: a locking/unlocking mechanism with a first locking member controlled by a lock knob, and a double locking mechanism with a second locking member. This segmentation allows each mechanism to operate independently with simpler control logic, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining single-motor efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
A connecting and disconnecting member is introduced as an intermediary element that selectively transmits operations from the lock knob to either the first locking member or the second locking member. This mediator enables the single motor to control both mechanisms by routing commands appropriately, simplifying the control architecture without requiring separate motors.
2Device complexity
If a single motor controls both locking/unlocking and double locking operations, then cost and complexity are reduced, but the apparatus size may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The first locking member and second locking member are positioned adjacently and share common structural elements, including the single motor and control mechanism. This merging of space and function allows the apparatus to maintain a compact size while accommodating both locking mechanisms, avoiding the volume increase that would result from separate motor assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The single motor serves multiple functions by controlling both the locking/unlocking mechanism and the double locking mechanism through the connecting and disconnecting member. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate motors and reduces the overall apparatus volume while maintaining full operational capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connecting and disconnecting member is added to transmit operations selectively, then control flexibility is improved, but the number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting and disconnecting member serves multiple functions: it transmits operations from the lock knob to the first locking member during normal locking/unlocking, transmits operations to the second locking member during double locking, and can be selectively engaged or disengaged. This multi-functional element provides high control flexibility without requiring multiple separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic holding member automatically holds the connecting and disconnecting member in appropriate positions (connected or disconnected) based on the operational state, eliminating the need for additional actuators or complex control systems. The system self-regulates the connection state, reducing the overall number of active components.
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
Enables efficient switching between locking, unlocking, and double locking states with a single motor, simplifying the configuration and ensuring reliable operation of the door latch apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic holding member that applies an elastic force to the connecting and disconnecting member so as to hold the connecting and disconnecting member in the connecting position and the disconnecting position
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle door latch apparatus comprising: a meshing mechanism unit that is configured to engage with and disengage from a striker provided on a vehicle body side; an operating mechanism unit that is configured to operate the meshing mechanism unit, the operating mechanism unit comprising: a motor; a rotating member, which is rotatable in an unlocking direction from a neutral position and a locking direction that is opposite to the unlocking direction by the motor; a biasing member for biasing the rotating member toward the neutral position; a first locking member that is rotatable to an unlocking position and a locking position; a second locking member, which is coaxially supported with the 15 first locking member so as to be relatively rotatable with the first locking member, and which is configured to: rotate to an unlocking position where an engagement between the meshing mechanism unit and the striker can be released in conjunction with a rotation of the rotation member to the unlocking direction from the neutral position, so as to rotate the first locking member to the unlocking position; and rotate to a locking position where an engagement between the meshing mechanism unit and the striker cannot be released in conjunction with rotation of the rotation member to the locking direction from the neutral position, so as to rotate the first locking member to the locking position.