Automotive Hood Latch Bolt with Lateral Stop Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure devices for vehicle bays, such as 'flush bays,' face challenges in providing a simple and effective safety stop during strong decelerations, are bulky, and limit the glazed surface area due to complex design requirements and protruding gripping elements, which affect ergonomics and design freedom.
Innovation Solution
Implementing dual-function bolts that provide locking and safety stop functions without a separate stop finger, integrated with guide rails and deformable elements to reduce noise and frame size, and ergonomic handles with flexible coatings to comply with safety standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate stop finger is provided on the movable panel frame to prevent panel displacement during deceleration, then passenger safety is improved, but the frame cross-section and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the stop function with the existing bolt by providing a lateral contact surface on the bolt that contacts a stopper on the fixed structure. This eliminates the need for a separate stop finger on the movable panel frame, reducing frame complexity while maintaining safety functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The bolt is given multiple functions: it provides locking engagement with the fixed structure and simultaneously provides safety stop functionality through its lateral contact surface. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
2Ease of operation
If gripping elements protrude from the closing element to facilitate operation, then ease of operation is improved, but safety standards are violated and design freedom is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the gripping element by providing a flexible coating over the rigid structural element. This allows the gripping element to remain within protrusion limits while maintaining ergonomic grip through material flexibility and tactile feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping element is constructed as a composite with a rigid structural element for strength and a flexible coating for ergonomics. This composite structure satisfies safety standards while improving ease of operation.
3Strength
If a rigid frame with large cross-section is used to accommodate stop fingers and guide rails, then structural strength is improved, but the clear opening area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The stop function is merged into the bolt structure itself through the lateral contact surface, eliminating the need for a separate stop finger that would require additional frame space. This reduces the frame cross-section while maintaining safety functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop function is extracted from the movable panel frame and relocated to the fixed structure as a stopper element. This allows the movable panel frame to be minimized in size while the stopper on the fixed structure provides the necessary safety function.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for closing an opening in the body of a motor vehicle, comprising a fixed structure (11) and at least one movable panel (12) relative to said fixed structure (11) between a closed position and a maximum release position of an opening (21) formed in said fixed structure (11), said movable panel (12) carrying at least one bolt (22, 23) capable of cooperating with at least one additional locking element provided for this purpose in said fixed structure (11). According to the invention, said bolt (22, 23), or at least one of said bolts, has a lateral contact surface cooperating with a stop provided in said fixed structure (11).