Vehicle Lock Bracket Curved Support Prevents Lever Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lock lever in vehicle lock housing assemblies often deflects during operation, leading to ineffective locking and unlocking operations.
Innovation Solution
A bracket member is designed for the vehicle lock housing assembly, featuring a base member with outwardly extending first and second walls that contact the lock housing, and a curved portion that supports the lock lever, thereby preventing deflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lock lever is supported by a simple mounting structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the lock lever deflects during operation resulting in ineffective locking and unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket member is divided into multiple functional segments: a base member for mounting, a first wall extending from the base, a second wall extending from the base, and a curved portion connecting to the base. Each segment serves a specific function in supporting the lock lever and preventing deflection, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity through structured segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket member utilizes three-dimensional spatial configuration with walls extending in different directions from the base member. The first wall, second wall, and curved portion create a multi-dimensional support structure that constrains the lock lever from deflecting, transforming a simple single-plane support into a multi-dimensional constraint system.
2Reliability
If the lock lever is allowed to rotate freely, then the ease of operation is improved, but the lock lever deflects during rotation leading to unreliable locking
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket member provides localized support at specific points along the lock lever's path. The curved portion specifically targets the region where deflection occurs during rotation, providing localized constraint without restricting the overall rotational movement. This selective local support maintains ease of operation while preventing harmful deflection.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket member acts as an intermediary element between the lock lever and the lock housing assembly. It mediates the interaction by providing a controlled support interface that allows necessary rotation while preventing excessive deflection, thus reconciling the conflicting requirements of free rotation and reliable operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket member for a lock housing assembly of a vehicle includes a base member. A first wall extends outwardly form the base member. The first wall is configured to contact a first wall of a lock housing of the lock housing assembly. A second wall extends outwardly from the base member. The second wall is configured to contact a second wall of the lock housing assembly. A curved portion is connected to the base member. The curved portion is configured to support a lock lever of the lock housing assembly.