Rotary Latch Striker Sensing via Integrated Trigger Bar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary pawl latch assemblies are complex, bulky, and costly, lacking a simpler, more compact, and cost-effective design.
Innovation Solution
A latch assembly comprising a frame, a pawl movable between open and closed positions, a trigger for locking the pawl, a striker bar for interacting with the striker, and means for sensing the position of the striker bar, indicating the position of the striker and the trigger.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rotary pawl latch assemblies are used, then reliable securing function is achieved, but device complexity and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the striker bar and trigger into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate striker bar and trigger parts. This merging reduces device complexity and part count while maintaining the latching function, as the integrated component performs both triggering and striking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The pawl is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the latching element that engages with the striker and the sensing element that detects striker position through its interaction with the bumper. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate sensing components, simplifying the overall assembly.
2Reliability
If traditional rotary pawl latch assemblies are used, then secure latching is achieved, but compactness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper is positioned within the latch assembly structure, nested between the pawl and frame, allowing it to serve as both a stopping element and a position indicator without increasing external dimensions. The integrated striker bar is also nested within the trigger structure, maximizing space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
By integrating the striker bar with the trigger and positioning the bumper within the existing structural space, the patent achieves a compact configuration that maintains secure latching functionality while minimizing overall assembly volume.
3Reliability
If traditional rotary pawl latch assemblies are used, then functional reliability is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the striker bar and trigger into a single component reduces part count, simplifying assembly operations and reducing manufacturing costs. Fewer parts mean fewer fasteners, less assembly time, and reduced inventory requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The bumper serves dual purposes as both a mechanical stop and a position sensing element, eliminating the need for separate sensing components and reducing overall part count, which directly lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining functional reliability.
4Measurement precision
If striker position sensing is added to latch assembly, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pawl serves as both the latching element and the sensing element. Its interaction with the bumper provides inherent position indication without requiring separate sensors, maintaining simplicity while achieving accurate striker position detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assembly components themselves (pawl, bumper, striker bar) provide the sensing function through their mechanical interactions. The system uses its own operational movements to indicate position, eliminating the need for external sensing systems and maintaining low complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A latch assembly includes a frame and a pawl including a surface for receiving a striker and being movably coupled to the frame between an open and a closed position. A trigger is mounted to the frame and is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein, in the locked position of the trigger, the trigger is positioned to retain the pawl in the closed position. A striker bar is movably coupled to the trigger and is positioned to be contacted by the striker, wherein the striker bar is configured to move in the course of moving the striker into the pawl. A device for sensing a position of the striker bar, wherein the position of the striker bar is indicative of the position of the striker and the position of the trigger.