Vehicle Door Latch Terminal Block Switch Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing vehicle door latch device requires inefficient coupling of detecting switches using bolts and wire harnesses for signal transmission, leading to poor connectivity efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a terminal block with integrally molded conductive plates and elastic claws to securely hold detecting switches without bolts, enabling direct electrical connection and eliminating the need for wire harnesses, allowing for efficient switch connection and signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If detecting switches are fixed using bolts and wire harnesses, then the connection is mechanically secure, but the connectivity efficiency is poor and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical connection function and mechanical fixation function into a single integrated terminal block structure. The terminal block simultaneously provides electrical contacts for signal transmission and physical mounting features for securing detecting switches, eliminating the need for separate wire harnesses and bolts. This merging of functions directly resolves the technical contradiction by improving connectivity efficiency while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal block is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple roles: it serves as an electrical connector for signal transmission, a mechanical support structure for mounting switches, and a fixation device replacing separate fasteners. This universal design allows a single component to fulfill multiple functions that previously required separate parts, thereby improving connectivity efficiency and reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If wire harnesses are used for signal transmission, then electrical connection is established, but the device complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the wire harness component from the system by integrating the electrical connection function directly into the terminal block structure. The terminal block provides built-in electrical contacts that establish reliable signal transmission paths without requiring external wire harnesses, thereby maintaining electrical connection reliability while significantly reducing device complexity and installation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection function previously performed by wire harnesses is merged into the terminal block structure itself. The terminal block contains integrated electrical contacts and conductive paths that directly connect detecting switches to the control system, eliminating the need for separate wire harnesses and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable signal transmission.
3Strength
If bolts are used to fix detecting switches, then mechanical security is achieved, but the installation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical fixation function previously performed by separate bolts is merged into the terminal block structure. The terminal block incorporates integrated mounting features and fixation mechanisms that securely hold detecting switches in place, eliminating the need for separate fasteners. This integration maintains mechanical security while significantly improving installation efficiency by reducing the number of assembly steps and components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for switch connection, then functional requirements are met, but the overall device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (terminal block, wire harnesses, mounting brackets, and fasteners) into a single integrated structure. The terminal block simultaneously provides electrical connections, mechanical support, and fixation features, thereby maintaining full switch connection functionality while significantly reducing the overall device volume and eliminating the space required for multiple discrete components.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle door latch device comprises a base member having a striker-engagement groove which a striker of a vehicle body enters; a latch pivotally mounted to the base member and engagable with the striker; a ratchet pivotally mounted to the base member to engage with the latch to prevent the latch from turning; a latch-detecting switch detecting a turning position of the latch; and a synthetic resin terminal block in which a latch conductive plate is insert-molded. The terminal block has a holding portion that can hold the latch-detecting switch with an elastic claw. The latch conductive plate has a connecting terminal exposed in the holding portion and electrically connected to the latch detecting switch.