Vehicle Door Latch Receiving Portion Deformation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing latch mechanism for vehicle door lock devices, as described in JP2002-129810 A, does not provide a specific measure to prevent deformation of the receiving portion when a reactive force is applied, leading to potential operational reliability issues.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a support portion, which can be integrally formed in the sub base plate, to suppress deformation of the receiving portion by abutting with its deformed surface, thereby enhancing the support rigidity and preventing inclination of the cantilever support portion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the receiving portion is designed to engage with the cantilever support portion to restrict its inclination, then the stability of the cantilever support portion is improved, but the receiving portion deforms under reactive force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of cantilever support portionVSAvoidstrength of receiving portion
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the receiving portion by introducing elastic deformation as a controlled parameter. The receiving portion is designed to elastically deform under reactive force from the striker, absorbing energy while maintaining engagement with the cantilever support portion. This parameter change allows the receiving portion to accommodate dynamic loads without permanent deformation or failure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by designing the receiving portion with inherent elastic properties that allow it to deform and absorb reactive forces before causing damage. The engagement between the receiving portion and cantilever support portion is designed to accommodate controlled deformation, cushioning the impact of the striker's reactive force and preventing structural failure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Loss of energy

If the cantilever support portion is allowed to deflect by reactive force, then the receiving portion can absorb energy, but the deformation of the receiving portion reduces reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy absorption of receiving portionVSAvoidoperational reliability of latch mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the receiving portion by allowing controlled elastic deformation within a safe range. The design specifies deformation parameters that enable energy absorption while staying within material elastic limits, ensuring the receiving portion returns to its original shape after each operation cycle, thus maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving portion is designed with beforehand cushioning capabilities through its elastic properties, allowing it to absorb energy from the striker's reactive force during normal operation. This cushioning effect is built into the design to handle expected energy loads while maintaining structural integrity and operational reliability over the component's service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If the receiving portion is made more rigid to prevent deformation, then the reliability is improved, but the ability to absorb energy through deflection is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliability of latch mechanismVSAvoidenergy absorption capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the receiving portion's physical parameters by selecting appropriate material properties and geometric dimensions that balance rigidity and elasticity. The receiving portion is designed with specific elastic modulus and structural dimensions that provide sufficient rigidity for reliable operation while maintaining enough elasticity to absorb energy through controlled deflection during normal use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 support portion effectively restricts deformation of the receiving portion, improving the operation reliability of the latch mechanism without increasing the number of parts and enhancing support rigidity, thus ensuring reliable operation under applied forces.

Implementation Method 1

a cushion accommodating portion provided on the receiving portion side of the cantilever support portion for accommodating a cushion for pressing the cantilever support portion toward the striker

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2633139B1Latch mechanism for a vehicle door lock device
Publication Date: 2016.11.23 AISIN SEIKI KK
  • EP2633139B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2633139B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2633139B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A vehicle door latch mechanism includes a resin body (11), a base plate (12) and a sub base plate (13) nipping this body. The body (11) has an accomodating portion capable of accomodating a latch and a pawl (15), an insertion groove (11c) through which a striker (30) is inserted, a cantilever support portion (lln) nipping the striker (30) with a facing inner wall surface, a receiving portion (llo) for restricting inclination of the cantilever support portion (lln) to a predetermined amount, and a cushion (lip) accomodating portion capable of accomodating a cushion (c2) for pressing the cantilever support portion (lln) toward the striker (30). A support portion (13c) for suppressing deformation of the receiving portion (llo) when a free front end of the cantilever support portion (lln) is engaged with the receiving portion (llo) is provided in the sub base plate (13).