Rotary Latch Without Plate for Compact Vehicle Door Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rotary latch devices face challenges in miniaturization due to the constraints of part resistance, requiring a smaller dimension while maintaining solidity and safety, especially in vehicle door applications.
Innovation Solution
A rotary latch device design without a plate, featuring a latch and locking pawl with prestressed return means, distinct detents, and curved surfaces for enhanced contact zones, allowing for self-locking and reduced wear, and eliminating the need for a plate, thereby minimizing size and thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plate is used as a stop mechanism in the rotary latch device, then the device provides sufficient structural strength and reliability, but the device size and thickness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the plate component entirely from the traditional rotary latch structure. Instead of using a plate as the stop mechanism, the invention integrates the stop function directly into the latch body and locking pawl through precisely positioned notches and stops, thereby eliminating unnecessary material while maintaining structural reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the stop mechanism functionality into the latch and locking pawl components themselves. The notches and stops are integrated features of these components rather than separate elements, merging multiple functions into fewer parts to reduce overall device volume while preserving strength
2Reliability
If the latch and locking pawl rotate with large amplitude, then the operation is smooth and reliable, but wear on moving parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces curved surfaces at the contact zones between the latch and locking pawl. These curved surfaces guide the rotation motion smoothly while distributing contact forces over a larger area, reducing localized wear and extending component lifespan without compromising operational smoothness
Solution Approach 2:
The curved contact surfaces act as a preventive measure against wear by distributing mechanical stress before it concentrates at single points. This design anticipates wear issues and prevents them through geometric design rather than requiring frequent maintenance or replacement
3Strength
If a plate is used in the closing device, then the structural strength is sufficient, but the aesthetic appearance and security are compromised due to visible locking points
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the plate component, the invention eliminates the visible external structure that compromises aesthetics. The locking mechanism becomes concealed within the door assembly, providing a clean appearance while maintaining all necessary structural functions through the integrated latch and pawl design
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables a compact, reliable, and secure closure device with reduced wear and simplified operation, offering improved solidity, safety, and aesthetics by eliminating the plate constraint and minimizing mechanical stress on moving parts.
Implementation Method 1
the latch and the locking pawl being each pre-stressed by return means, the return force exerted by said means of the latch bringing said latch back into the open position
Data Source
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AI summary
This locking device comprises: - a latch (100) having an open housing (110) adapted to receive a locking element (300) and rotatably mounted between an open and a closed position, - a locking pawl (200) rotatably mounted and cooperating with the latch (100) so as to keep it locked in the closed position. The latch (100) has a main closing stop (101) and an opening stop (102). The locking pawl (200) has a closing stop (201) and a locking stop (202).