Vehicle Door Lock Switch Lever Pivoting Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door lock devices require expensive waterproof switches due to non-waterproofed accommodation of courtesy switches, necessitating a solution for cost reduction and downsizing while maintaining waterproofing.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle door lock device with a latch, locking mechanism, door switch, switch lever, and lever pivoting amount adjusting mechanism, where the door switch is positioned in a waterproof actuator housing, and the switch lever's pivoting amount is adjusted to prevent excessive pivoting, allowing a non-waterproof switch to be used, thus reducing costs and downsizing the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the courtesy switch is arranged in the latch accommodating portion (non-waterproof region), then waterproofness can be ensured, but the cost increases due to the need for expensive waterproof door switches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a waterproof door switch as an intermediary component that is specifically designed to be waterproof. This mediator allows the system to maintain waterproofness in the non-waterproofed latch accommodating portion while enabling the use of cheaper non-waterproof switches elsewhere in the waterproofed actuator housing region.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different waterproofing qualities to different regions and components. The actuator housing region is made waterproof to accommodate standard non-waterproof switches, while the latch accommodating portion uses a specialized waterproof door switch. This local differentiation of quality allows cost reduction in most areas while maintaining reliability where absolutely necessary.
2Ease of manufacture
If the courtesy switch is arranged in the actuator housing (waterproofed region), then cost can be reduced by using non-waterproof switches, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the door switch function with the latch mechanism by positioning the door switch within the latch accommodating portion. The switch lever is integrated with the latch structure, allowing the switch actuation to occur as a byproduct of latch movement rather than requiring a separate actuation mechanism, thereby avoiding additional space consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch structure serves multiple functions: it performs the primary latching function and simultaneously acts as the actuating mechanism for the door switch through the integrated switch lever. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components and reduces overall device size while maintaining the ability to use cost-effective non-waterproof switches in the waterproofed actuator housing region.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle door lock device includes: a door switch arranged in an actuator housing to which a locking mechanism is assembled; a switch lever; and a lever pivoting amount adjusting mechanism configured to adjust a pivoting amount of the switch lever so that a ratio of the pivoting amount of the switch lever to a pivoting amount of a latch is set smaller in a second pivot state in which the latch is pivoted within a range of from a switching position to an unlatched position than in a first pivot state in which the latch is pivoted within a range of from a fully-latched position to the switching position.