Vehicle Door Latch Waterproof Cover Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional latch release operating apparatuses for vehicles face issues with waterproofing, as the waterproof cover is prone to damage and water ingress due to its thin design and exposure to foreign objects during maintenance or washing, compromising its effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A latch release operating apparatus featuring a waterproof cover member made of high elasticity material, such as ethylene-propylene rubber, with a cover member design that includes a base member and a cover member with a peripheral edge sandwiched between the door outer panel and the base member, ensuring the switch unit is operable from the outside while minimizing exposure and preventing water ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the waterproof cover is made thin to maintain flexibility and operability, then the ease of operation is improved, but the damage resistance property deteriorates making it prone to damage during maintenance or washing
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof cover is constructed as a composite structure with a foam material layer and a waterproof resin layer. The foam material provides cushioning and damage resistance, while the waterproof resin layer maintains flexibility and prevents water ingress. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by combining materials with complementary properties.
2Ease of operation
If the waterproof cover protrudes from the door outer panel to allow operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the exposure to foreign objects increases causing contact damage during maintenance or washing
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof cover is nested within the door handle assembly structure, with the push button positioned such that it can be operated through the door outer panel opening without the cover itself protruding significantly. The cover is recessed relative to the outer surface while maintaining operational accessibility.
3Strength
If the waterproof cover is made thick to improve damage resistance, then the strength is improved, but the flexibility and ability to maintain sufficient pressing-down operability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The foam material layer provides the necessary thickness for damage resistance and cushioning, while the thin waterproof resin layer maintains flexibility for pressing-down operability. The composite structure allows the cover to be sufficiently thick for protection without compromising the ability to be pressed down for operation.
4Ease of operation
If the waterproof cover is deformed to accommodate swinging operation of door handle, then the ease of operation is improved, but the waterproof integrity deteriorates causing water ingress
Solution Approach 1:
The waterproof cover is made from a flexible waterproof resin that can deform elastically to accommodate the swinging motion of the door handle while maintaining its waterproof barrier function. The material's flexibility allows it to flex during operation and return to its original shape, preventing water ingress.
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
The solution effectively prevents water from entering the apparatus and reduces the risk of damage to the cover member during operation or maintenance, maintaining operability and waterproof integrity.
Implementation Method 1
A latch release operating apparatus according to the present invention features a waterproof cover member made of high elasticity material, such as ethylene-propylene rubber
Data Source
AI summary
A latch release operating apparatus includes a switch unit that has a push button on its switch main unit and that is turned ON for releasing a latch state of a door when the push button is pressed down; a base member that holds the switch unit via the switch main unit such that the push button faces the outside; and a waterproof cover member that is attached on a surface of the base member and that covers the push button. A peripheral edge of the cover member is held between the base member and a door outer panel, and the switch unit is mounted on the door outer panel via the base member such that the push button is operable from an outside of the door outer panel via the cover member.