Vehicle Door Latch Actuator Placement and Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door latch devices face issues with the actuator's placement, leading to potential interference with the guide rail and increased complexity, size, and cost, as well as malfunction due to ratchet spring failures or unexpected rotation resistance, which can prevent the latch from engaging properly.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle door latch device features a latch body with a striker advancing path, a latch secured below, a ratchet secured above, and an actuator positioned on top, along with a ratchet retainer to block movement, allowing for a compact design that avoids interference with the guide rail and uses a small motor for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the actuator is positioned on the lower side of the latch unit, then there is enough space for the motor, but the structure becomes complicated and the size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is relocated from the lower side to the lateral side of the latch unit, changing the spatial dimension of motor placement. This dimensional shift allows the motor to be positioned in a previously unused space lateral to the latch unit rather than below it, reducing overall structure complexity while maintaining adequate motor space
2Length of stationary object
If the actuator is relocated to the lateral side of the latch unit, then the thickness does not interfere with the guide rail, but the structure becomes complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator case is designed to be continuous with the latch body, merging two previously separate components into an integrated structure. This integration eliminates the need for additional mounting structures and reduces overall complexity while maintaining the reduced thickness benefit
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator case serves multiple functions: it houses the motor, provides structural support, and integrates with the latch body as a unified component. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate parts and simplifies the overall structure
3Extent of automation
If the ratchet is disposed in the vicinity of the actuator with the latch spaced apart, then the actuator can function as power release means, but the latch may fail to engage properly due to ratchet spring malfunction or rotation resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The spatial parameters between the latch, ratchet, and actuator are optimized to achieve both automated power release functionality and reliable engagement. The latch is positioned to engage the striker while the ratchet remains close to the actuator for automated operation, with careful attention to the geometric relationships between these components
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle door latch device includes: a latch body including: a latch secured by a latch shaft on a rear surface side of the latch body, the latch being configured to engage with a striker; a ratchet secured by a ratchet shaft on the rear surface side of the latch body, the ratchet being configured to engage with the latch; and a striker advancing path into which the striker advances relatively; a motor configured to release the ratchet from the latch; and an actuator case provided continuously on top of the latch body, the actuator case being configured to accommodate the motor.