Automotive Latch Assembly With Paddle And Catch Pinion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automotive latch systems for glove boxes and accessory compartments face challenges in achieving tight tolerances and high quality assembly due to varying manufacturing processes and requirements across different manufacturers, leading to difficulties in meeting diverse model configurations while maintaining cost efficiency and design uniformity.
Innovation Solution
A latch assembly design featuring a base and paddle with a catch pinion and release members, where the paddle and catch pinion are rotatably connected to generate a force for secure engagement and disengagement, incorporating springs for restoring forces and a lock mechanism for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a latch assembly is designed to meet diverse model configurations and manufacturing requirements, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is designed with a universal base structure that can accommodate different model configurations through optional components. The base includes a paddle, catch pinion, and release members that form a standardized platform, while lock mechanisms and other features can be added or omitted based on specific model requirements, allowing one design to serve multiple functions across different automobile models and trim levels
2Manufacturing precision
If tight tolerances and high quality assembly are achieved, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: the base assembly (paddle, catch pinion, release members), the lock mechanism (when included), and the striker engagement components. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured independently with standardized interfaces, enabling tight overall tolerances while permitting different manufacturers to produce components with their own process-specific tolerances that still assemble correctly
3Adaptability or versatility
If a lock mechanism is added to enhance functionality, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is designed as a dynamic, selectively engageable component rather than a permanently fixed feature. The lock can be engaged or disengaged based on model requirements and usage conditions, allowing the same base latch assembly to provide different levels of security functionality. This dynamic approach enables adaptability across model configurations without permanently increasing the complexity of the core mechanism
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
The latch assembly ensures secure and reliable operation across different model configurations, maintains cost efficiency, and addresses the challenge of varying manufacturing tolerances by providing a uniform design that meets diverse automotive requirements.
Implementation Method 1
A paddle return spring may be connected between the base and the paddle and configured to generate a restoring force to move the paddle towards the first drive surface position
Implementation Method 2
The release member return spring connected between the base and the at least one release member and configured to generate a restoring force to move the at least on release member towards the first release member position
Data Source
AI summary
A latch assembly having a base and a paddle. The paddle is rotatably connected to the base to pivot about a paddle axis and has a drive surface offset from the paddle axis. A catch pinion is rotatably connected to the base to rotate about a pinion axis that is generally perpendicular to the paddle axis. The catch pinion has an activation surface positioned such that movement of the drive surface generates a force on the activation surface to rotate the catch pinion about the pinion axis. The catch pinion may have a concave surface to receive a portion of the drive surface as the paddle rotates. A lock may be movably mounted to the paddle, and movable to engage a lock surface on the catch pinion to prevent the paddle from rotating. A lock may be provided to selectively disable the drive surface from rotating with the paddle.