Vehicle Access Panel Push-Push Latch With Impact Load Lockout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push-push latching mechanisms in vehicle storage compartments are prone to opening under sudden and unintentional impact forces, violating Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and limiting their placement in passenger areas.
Innovation Solution
A push-push latching mechanism with an impact load lockout feature, which includes a latch element rest with an opening and a latch element trap, allowing the first latch element to pass into the trap only when the storage compartment is subjected to an impact load exceeding a design force, thereby preventing inadvertent opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a push-push latching mechanism is used in a storage compartment, then the design simplicity and ease of use are improved, but the reliability under impact loads deteriorates as the mechanism opens under sudden impact forces
Solution Approach 1:
The latch element rest is designed with dynamic response characteristics that differentiate between normal operating forces and impact forces. The geometry of the rest allows the latch element to maintain engagement during normal use but automatically disengage when subjected to sudden impact loads exceeding the design force, thus adapting the mechanism's behavior to the nature of the applied force
Solution Approach 2:
The impact load lockout feature converts the harmful effect of impact forces that would normally cause inadvertent opening into a beneficial safety mechanism. When impact forces exceed the design force, the latch element is forced through the opening in the rest into a locked position, preventing compartment opening and ensuring safety compliance
2Adaptability or versatility
If storage compartments are placed in areas where impacts may occur, then the adaptability of the vehicle design is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because the push-push latching mechanism opens under impact forces
Solution Approach 1:
The latch element rest geometry creates a dynamic system that responds differently to sustained forces versus sudden impact forces. During normal operation, the latch element remains engaged, but under impact conditions exceeding the design force, the element is forced through the opening in the rest, enabling the compartment to be safely placed in impact-prone areas
Solution Approach 2:
The impact load lockout feature is pre-configured with an opening in the latch element rest positioned to allow automatic disengagement and locking when impact forces are applied. This preliminary design ensures that before an impact occurs, the mechanism is already positioned to respond appropriately, preventing inadvertent opening and enabling safe placement in various vehicle locations
Data Source
AI summary
A storage compartment for a vehicle includes a first surface fixedly mounted relative to the vehicle, a second surface moveably mounted relative to the first surface, and a latching mechanism including a first latch element mounted to one of the first surface and the second surface and a second latch element mounted to another of the first surface and the second surface. The second latch element includes a first passage, a second passage, and an impact load lockout feature including a latch element rest arranged between the first passage and the second passage. The latch element rest includes an opening and a latch element trap. The opening is formed to allow passage of the first latch element into the latch element trap when the second surface is exposed to an impact load exceeding a design force.