Vehicle Latch Actuator Lever Water Seal Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle latch assemblies are prone to water ingress through openings for actuator levers, leading to corrosion and jamming, especially when these openings are on upper surfaces, which can compromise the functionality and longevity of the latch system.
Innovation Solution
A sealed latch assembly design that incorporates a seal member around the actuator lever to form a water-tight seal between the housing and cover, preventing water ingress, while allowing for operable connection and low-friction pivotal movement, and is economically manufactured and assembled.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If openings are provided in the housing/cover for actuator lever passage, then operability is improved, but water ingress risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
A seal member is introduced as an intermediary element between the actuator lever and the opening in the housing/cover. The seal member includes a body portion attached to the actuator lever and a seal lip that contacts the housing/cover surface, creating a water-tight barrier while allowing the lever to pass through and operate
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member is constructed with a flexible seal lip that can deform to maintain contact with the housing/cover surface while accommodating the movement of the actuator lever. This flexible structure creates an effective water barrier without restricting lever operation
2Object-affected harmful factors
If seal members are added to prevent water ingress, then water protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member is merged with the actuator lever assembly, where the body portion is attached to the lever and the seal lip extends to contact the housing/cover. This integration ensures the seal moves with the lever while maintaining a simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member automatically maintains its sealing function through its own deformation and movement with the actuator lever. The seal lip self-adjusts to maintain contact with the housing/cover surface during lever operation, eliminating the need for additional adjustment mechanisms
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the seal member is fixed against relative movement with the actuator lever, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but friction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal lip is constructed as a flexible element that can deform to maintain contact with the housing/cover surface while accommodating the movement of the actuator lever. This flexibility reduces friction by allowing the seal to conform to surface variations and movement dynamics
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member is designed to dynamically adjust its position and shape during actuator lever movement. The seal lip flexes and deforms to maintain optimal contact with the housing/cover surface throughout the range of motion, balancing sealing effectiveness with reduced friction
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle closure panel latch assembly having pivotable actuator lever sealed against the ingress of water into a housing of the latch assembly is provided. The actuator lever is configured for receipt in an opening of the housing and for operable connection to an internal latch component. A seal member is disposed about a portion of the actuator lever to form a water-tight seal between the housing and the actuator lever to prevent the passage of water through the opening.