Vehicle Latch Case Fastening Geometry for Mounting Error Tolerance

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing latch apparatus for detachable or movable seats in vehicles is enlarged due to the extension of the case above the rotational area, making it prone to turning up when a large force is applied via the striker, and it does not effectively accommodate mounting errors in the hinge shaft or striker position.

Innovation Solution

A latch apparatus with a case mounted on a mount member featuring an entrance groove for the striker, where a latch is rotationally movable and engaged with the striker, and a fastening member that secures the case to move relative to the striker within a defined area centered at the striker's engagement point, ensuring the latch's stability and preventing the case from turning up under force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the case is extended to the area above the rotational area of the latch to configure the mounting portion, then the latch can accommodate mounting errors and engage with the striker, but the latch apparatus is enlarged as a whole

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting error accommodationVSAvoidlatch apparatus size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The latch is designed to be rotationally movable within the case, allowing dynamic adjustment to accommodate mounting errors between the hinge shaft and striker. This rotational capability enables the latch to engage with the striker even when positions vary, without requiring the case to be extended into the rotational area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the round hole and elongated holes are provided in positions spaced away from the striker, then the latch can rotate to accommodate position variations, but the case may be turned up when a large force is applied to the latch

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition adjustment rangeVSAvoidcase stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening member is configured to fasten the case to the mount member before the latch engages with the striker. This preliminary fastening action prevents the case from being turned up when large forces are applied during engagement, while still allowing the latch to rotate within the defined area to accommodate position variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Volume of moving object

If the latch is positioned closer to the striker, then the apparatus can be made more compact, but the latch may not accommodate mounting errors effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelatch apparatus sizeVSAvoidmounting error tolerance
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The latch is designed with rotational movement capability within a defined area centered at the striker engagement point. This dynamic positioning allows the latch to reach the striker even when mounting errors cause position variations, maintaining compact dimensions while accommodating tolerances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening member allows the case to move relative to the striker within a defined area, changing the positional parameters of the case-latch assembly to accommodate mounting errors while maintaining a compact overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2743431B1Latch device
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 MITSUI KINZOKU ACT
  • EP2743431B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2743431B1 patent drawingFigure 3-1~3-2
  • EP2743431B1 patent drawingFigure 3-3~3-4

AI summary

A latch apparatus 1 brings a latch 4 which is accommodated rotationally movably in a case made up of a base plate 2 and a cover plate 3 into engagement with a striker S which enters an entrance groove 21 in the case. A fastening member 7 which fastens the case to a mount member so as to move relative to the striker S is provided within a range defined by projecting an area A which has a radius centering at the striker S onto the case, the radius being equal to a distance to an outermost position of the latch 4 which is in engagement with the striker S.