Inertial Door Latch Blocking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automobile door latch mechanisms experience undesired opening during crash events due to inertial movement of the latch lever, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed while allowing normal operation and resetting post-event.
Innovation Solution
A blocking apparatus comprising a housing with a linearly movable plunger and a pivotally mounted blocking member, biased by spring forces, which engages with the latch lever to prevent movement during crash events and resets to allow normal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a blocking mechanism is added to prevent inertial movement of the latch lever during crash events, then the door remains securely closed during impact, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member is designed to be pivotally mounted and dynamically responds to crash forces by rotating into a blocking position to prevent latch lever movement, then automatically returning to its normal position after the crash event to restore normal latching operation
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking mechanism automatically activates during crash events through inertial forces without requiring external intervention, and self-resets after the event through spring biasing, eliminating the need for manual operation or complex control systems
2Reliability
If a blocking mechanism is added to prevent inertial movement of the latch lever during crash events, then the door remains securely closed during impact, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking mechanism is segmented into distinct components including the blocking member, pivot mounting, spring biasing element, and interaction with the latch lever, allowing each component to be manufactured separately using standard processes and then assembled
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking member is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily replaced if needed, constructed from basic materials and designed for straightforward manufacturing without requiring expensive or complex production methods
3Reliability
If a blocking mechanism is added to prevent inertial movement of the latch lever during crash events, then the door remains securely closed during impact, but the ease of repair decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking mechanism is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently removed and replaced without affecting the rest of the latching mechanism, simplifying repair procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking member is designed as a simple, easily replaceable component that can be quickly removed and replaced by technicians without requiring specialized tools or complex disassembly procedures
4Ease of operation
If the blocking member is pivotally mounted to respond to crash forces, then the mechanism can automatically block latch lever movement, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member is pivotally mounted to rotate dynamically in response to crash forces, automatically transitioning between a normal position (allowing latch operation) and a blocking position (preventing latch movement), then returning to the normal position after the event
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking mechanism automatically detects and responds to crash conditions through inertial forces acting on the pivotally mounted blocking member, without requiring external sensors, control systems, or manual intervention, and self-resets through spring biasing
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
Effectively prevents the latch lever from moving during crashes, ensuring the door remains closed and resets to allow normal operation post-event, providing a durable, inexpensive, and easy-to-assemble solution.
Implementation Method 1
The blocking member is biased by spring forces into alignment with a plunger engaged with the latch lever
Implementation Method 2
The blocking member moves into the blocking position due to the imposition of crash forces on the blocking member during a crash event
Data Source
AI summary
A blocking apparatus is cooperable with the latch lever of a vehicle door latching mechanism to prevent the latch lever from moving during a crash event, which prevents the latching mechanism from allowing the vehicle door to open. The blocking apparatus includes a housing supporting a linearly movable plunger engagable with a cam surface on the latch lever and a blocking member pivotally mounted for movement between a normal position and a blocking position. The blocking member moves into the blocking position due to the imposition of crash forces on the blocking member during a crash event. A centering spring mechanism biases the blocking member into the normal position and can return the blocking member into the normal position to permit movement of the latch lever after the crash event has occurred. The plunger is biased into engagement with the latch lever so as to move with the cam surface.