Lock Device Manual Handle Attachment via Integral Case Claw
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Solution Overview
Problem
Welding a metallic handle housing to the base in lock devices increases production time and cost, and the attachment method is inferior in strength, risking dislocation during trunk lid closure.
Innovation Solution
A lock device with a latch, ratchet, lever, and motor actuator supported by a base, where a case with an integral attaching portion for a manual operating member allows manual operation of the lever, reducing assembly time and cost while enhancing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metallic handle housing is welded to the base, then the attachment strength is improved, but the production time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the welding process (thermal/mechanical system) with a mechanical attachment system using a locking claw that engages with an attaching portion. This substitution eliminates the need for welding operations, reducing production time and cost while maintaining sufficient attachment strength through the mechanical interlocking mechanism between the locking claw and the integral attaching portion.
2Productivity
If a locking claw engagement system is used to attach the handle housing, then production time and cost are reduced, but the attachment strength is insufficient and the handle housing may dislocate during trunk lid closure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the attaching portion directly into the case structure as an integral feature rather than a separate component. This integration ensures that the attaching portion and locking claw form a unified mechanical connection system that provides sufficient attachment strength while maintaining the simplicity and speed of mechanical assembly without welding.
Data Source
AI summary
A lock device 1 includes a latch 10 that locks a striker 2, a ratchet 11 that is brought into engagement with the latch 10 to prevent the movement of the latch 10, a lever 12 that moves the ratchet 11 to a releasing position where the ratchet 11 releases the latch 10, an actuator 13 that includes a motor 23 that operates the lever 12, a base 14 that supports the latch 10, the ratchet 11, the lever 12 and the actuator 13, and a case 15 that is fixed to the base 14 and accommodates at least the actuator 13 between the base 14 and the case 15, and an attaching portion 44, to which an operating member 16 that is connected to the lever 12 so as to enable the lever 12 to be operated manually is attachable, is provided integrally on the case 15.