Vehicle Door Lock Housing Ultrasonic Welding Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door lock apparatuses are complex to assemble due to the need for screw fastening and sealing, which complicates the process and can lead to water ingress and foreign matter-induced malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle door lock apparatus featuring housings made of resin with projections and receptacles that are welded together using ultrasonic or laser welding, eliminating the need for screws and providing a waterproof seal without additional gaskets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw fastening is used to assemble the actuating housing, then the housing chamber can be sealed, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing function with the fastening function by integrating a rubber seal member into the receptacle structure. The seal member is embedded in the receptacle and automatically contacts the housing main body when assembled, providing waterproof sealing without requiring separate sealing operations or complex screw fastening procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member is designed to automatically engage with the housing main body through elastic deformation. When the cover body is assembled onto the housing main body, the seal member elastically deforms to contact the housing surface, creating a waterproof seal without requiring additional sealing operations or complex assembly procedures.
2Strength
If screw fastening is used to assemble the actuating housing, then the housing can be securely joined, but the assembly work becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fastening function into multiple small protrusions distributed around the receptacle perimeter, rather than using a single screw fastener. Each protrusion provides localized mechanical interlocking, and collectively they provide secure joining while enabling simple snap-fit assembly without complex fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions are designed to automatically engage with corresponding recesses in the housing main body during assembly. The elastic seal member assists this process by deforming to facilitate protrusion engagement, creating a secure joint through self-aligning snap-fit action without requiring manual screw fastening.
3Ease of operation
If screws are inserted through holes in the cover body, then the housing can be assembled, but sealing against water and foreign matter becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fastening protrusions and sealing function into a single integrated structure. The protrusions are formed as integral parts of the receptacle, and the rubber seal member is embedded within the receptacle structure, creating a unified component that provides both mechanical joining and waterproof sealing simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic seal member automatically contacts and seals against the housing main body surface when the cover body is assembled. This self-actuating sealing mechanism occurs during the normal assembly process, eliminating the need for separate sealing operations while preventing water and foreign matter ingress through the assembly interface.
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
Simplifies the assembly process, prevents water and foreign matter ingress, and ensures reliable operation of the lock mechanism by using a secure and precise welding method.
Implementation Method 1
projections and receptacles that are welded together using ultrasonic or laser welding
Implementation Method 2
projections and receptacles that are welded together using ultrasonic or laser welding
Implementation Method 3
welded together using ultrasonic or laser welding, eliminating the need for screws and providing a waterproof seal without additional gaskets
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle door lock apparatus (1) includes a latch housing (9), a latch mechanism (8), an actuating housing (7), and an actuating mechanism (6). The actuating housing (7) includes a first housing (70) made of resin joined to a second housing (80) made of resin, thereby forming a housing chamber (7A). The first housing (70) includes at least one projection (75P, 75Q, 75R, and 75S) that extends toward the second housing (80) from a proximal end (75A) to a distal end (75B). The second housing 80 includes at least one receptacle (85P, 85Q, 85R, and 85S) having a contact part (85A) welded to the distal end (75B).