Latch Device Base Plate Standardization via Integrated Stopper
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latch devices for vehicle trunks require separate management and stocking of manual and electric release mechanisms due to a lack of standardization, and the base plate cannot be easily downsized due to the need for a stopper portion to prevent the open lever from interfering with the worm wheel in electric release type latch devices.
Innovation Solution
A latch device design that includes a base plate with a rotatable open lever, a biasing unit, and a selective installation of either an electric release unit or a manual release unit, where the open lever can be stopped at a standby position using a manual release stopping unit or an electric release stopping unit, allowing for standardization of the base plate and open lever across both types of latch devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stopper portion is provided in the base plate to stop the open lever at a standby position, then the open lever can be reliably positioned, but the base plate cannot be easily downsized due to the arrangement space requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the stopper portion function into the worm wheel structure by forming a stopper protrusion on the worm wheel that engages with the open lever. This integration eliminates the need for a separate stopper portion in the base plate, allowing the base plate to be downsized while maintaining reliable open lever positioning at the standby position.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate manual and electric release mechanisms are used, then the latch device can adapt to different vehicle types, but the number of part items and stock requirements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal base plate design that can accommodate both manual and electric release mechanisms. The base plate includes a standardized open lever mounting structure and a selective installation provision for either the manual release unit or the electric release unit. This universality allows the same base plate and open lever to be used in both latch device types, reducing the number of part items and simplifying stock management while maintaining adaptability to different vehicle requirements.
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
This design enables the standardization of the base plate and open lever, reducing the number of part items and stock requirements, while allowing for efficient downsizing of the latch device by eliminating the need for a separate stopper portion in the base plate, and ensuring reliable operation of both manual and electric release mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing unit that biases the open lever in a direction in which the action end portion is taken away from the ratchet
Implementation Method 2
the electric release unit includes a worm wheel configured to press the driven portion so as to operate the open lever by the power
Data Source
AI summary
A latch device includes: a base plate; an open lever rotatably attached to the base plate; a biasing unit that biases the open lever; and an electric release unit to be installed in an electric release type latch device in which the open lever is operated by power and a manual release unit to be installed in a manual release type latch device in which the open lever is manually operated are capable of being selectively installed in the base plate. The open lever includes an action end portion to press a ratchet engaged with a latch and disengaging the ratchet from the latch. The biasing unit biases the open lever. The manual release unit is provided with a manual release stopping unit to abut against a driven portion.