Vehicle Door Latch Switching Element One-Motion Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing vehicle door latch apparatus has a complicated configuration due to separate components for switching the double locking mechanism between double unlocked and double locked states and for enabling one-motion operation from the locked to unlocked state.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle door latch apparatus with a locking lever, first and second inside levers, and a switching element that moves between connected and disconnected positions to allow or prevent one-motion operation, where the switching element transmits the release operation to the second inside lever only in the connected position, simplifying the configuration by integrating the functions for double unlocked and double locked states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate components are used for switching the double locking mechanism and for enabling one-motion operation, then the anti-theft capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-theft capabilityVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the switching element that controls the double locking mechanism with the linkage mechanism for one-motion operation into a single integrated component. The switching element has a first position that links the inside handle to the locking lever (enabling one-motion operation) and a second position that unlink s them (preventing one-motion operation), thereby merging two previously separate functions into one component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The switching element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the control mechanism for the double locking mechanism and the linkage connector for the one-motion operation. By moving between its first and second positions, it universally controls both the anti-theft locking state and the operational linkage, eliminating the need for separate dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If a switching element is used to integrate the double locking mechanism and one-motion operation control, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration simplicityVSAvoidoperation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The switching element is designed to be movable between two distinct positions (first position for linking, second position for unlinking). This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt its operational mode based on the switching element's position, maintaining ease of operation for both the double locked state and the one-motion operation state while simplifying the overall configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3663491B1Vehicle door latch device
Publication Date: 2023.07.12 MITSUI KINZOKU ACT
  • EP3663491B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3663491B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3663491B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a vehicle door latch apparatus, a one-motion operation can be allowed and prevented with a simple configuration. Switching element 20 is in a double unlocked state when switching element 20 is in the connected position and is in a double locked state when switching element 20 is in the disconnected position. The double unlocked state enables a one-motion operation, in which switching element 20 is linked to the release operation of first inside lever 21 in order to switch the locking mechanism from the locked state to the unlocked state and in which the release operation of first inside lever 21 is transmitted to second inside lever 22 in order to open the door, and in the double locked state, switching element 20 is not linked to the release operation of first inside lever 21, prevents the release operation of first inside lever 21 from being transmitted to second inside lever 22 and prevents the locking mechanism from being switched from the locked state to the unlocked state.