Vehicle Door Latch Override Geometry for Release Rule Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle door latches require separate designs for one-motion and two-motion release mechanisms, increasing engineering costs due to regulatory differences.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle door latch design that incorporates an electrical release mechanism, mechanical release mechanisms, a locking mechanism, and an override mechanism, allowing adaptation to one-motion or two-motion release by replacing an override lever, without requiring a complete redesign.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two different latch designs are developed to comply with different regulations (one-motion and two-motion release), then regulatory compliance is improved, but engineering costs and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal door latch design that can comply with both one-motion and two-motion release regulations by using a single base design with interchangeable override levers. The override mechanism is designed to accept different lever configurations (first and second override levers) that enable the same latch to meet different regulatory requirements without requiring separate latch designs for each market.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability through the override mechanism that can be configured in different ways. The first override lever provides one-motion release functionality while the second override lever provides two-motion release functionality. This dynamic reconfigurability allows the latch to adapt to different regulatory environments without physical redesign, resolving the contradiction between compliance and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two different latch designs are developed to comply with different regulations, then market adaptability is improved, but manufacturing and engineering costs double
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal latch platform where the core mechanism remains identical across different markets. Only the override lever needs to be changed to comply with local regulations. This universality eliminates the need to engineer and manufacture completely separate latch designs for one-motion and two-motion release markets, significantly reducing engineering costs while maintaining market adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the latch system into a universal base design and interchangeable override lever components. By separating the common functionality (latch mechanism, electrical release, locking mechanism) from the regulatory-specific component (override lever), the system enables cost-effective customization for different markets without redesigning the entire latch assembly.
3Device complexity
If a single latch design is used for both one-motion and two-motion release, then device complexity is reduced, but regulatory compliance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing a single latch platform that can serve multiple regulatory requirements. The base latch design includes a universal override mechanism that can accommodate different override levers. This allows one latch design to comply with both one-motion and two-motion release regulations, eliminating the need for separate designs while maintaining full regulatory compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in the override lever configuration to adapt the latch to different regulations. By changing the geometric parameters and engagement characteristics of the override lever (first override lever vs. second override lever), the same latch mechanism can achieve different release motion characteristics (one-motion vs. two-motion) required by different regulations, thus maintaining compliance without increasing overall design complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle door latch includes a retention unit engaging with a striker in the closed position and releasing the striker to release the vehicle door latch in the open position, an electrical release mechanism, a mechanical release mechanism including an inner release lever to be moved from a rest position to an active position, a locking mechanism including a locking lever, an override mechanism including an override lever to move the locking lever from a locked position to the unlocked position. In a first configuration, the override lever has a first shape wherein the override lever stroke is reached at a first position. In a second configuration, the override lever has a second shape wherein the override lever stroke is reached at a second position. The vehicle door latch can be configured according to the first or to the second configuration by replacing the override lever.