Vehicle Door Latch Release Device with Child Lock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing latch release device for vehicle doors with a child lock mechanism requires a complex structure and additional components to prevent latch release during both normal and emergency operations, increasing the size and complexity of the internal structure.
Innovation Solution
A latch release device with a child lock mechanism that switches between linking and unlinking the actuating member and the mechanical operating force input member, allowing the latch release intention detection means to detect actuation and disable latch release without the need for additional operational restriction structures, using an electric actuator and mechanical latch release operating force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If restriction means is employed to disable pushing of the open button when child lock is in effect, then latch release is disabled during normal operation, but the number of components increases and the internal structure becomes complicated and large in size
Solution Approach 1:
The child lock mechanism is integrated into the existing latch mechanism structure, combining the child lock function with the latch release mechanism. The actuating member is shared between normal operation and child lock functions, eliminating the need for separate restriction means and reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating member serves multiple functions: it acts as the actuator for normal latch release operation and simultaneously serves as the child lock mechanism when the child lock is engaged. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional components dedicated solely to child lock restriction.
2Ease of operation
If the switch for detecting normal operation is disposed at a position where the open button is directly detected, then normal operation can be detected, but additional components and complex structure are required to prevent false activation during child lock
Solution Approach 1:
The detection means is positioned to detect the actuating member rather than directly detecting the open button. The actuating member serves as an intermediary that translates both normal button pushes and child lock engagement into a detectable mechanical movement, allowing a single detection system to handle both functions without additional components.
3Reliability
If the child lock mechanism links the actuating member and mechanical operating force input member, then latch release is disabled for both normal and emergency operation, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The child lock mechanism utilizes the existing actuating member and mechanical operating force input member that are already part of the latch mechanism, rather than introducing entirely new components. The linking function is achieved through the existing mechanical architecture, maintaining simplicity while ensuring effective latch release disabling.
Data Source
AI summary
A latch release device for a vehicle door is provided which enables the release of the latched state of a latch mechanism that accompanies actuation of an electric actuator in response to the normal operation of an operating member for latch release, and the release of the latched state by a mechanical latch release operating force in response to emergency operation of the operating member for latch release, and includes a child lock mechanism attached to the latch mechanism, wherein the child lock mechanism is arranged so as to switch between linking and unlinking the actuating member for latch release and a mechanical operating force input member to which a mechanical latch release operating force is transmitted from the operating member for latch release, and latch release intention detection means is disposed on the latch mechanism so as to detect actuation of the actuating member for latch release.