Vehicle Sliding Door Latch Integrating Support and Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing sliding door mechanisms for vehicles, particularly in vans, require multiple support and guide rails, increasing weight and component count, which limits design freedom and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A sliding door latch system that uses a striker mounted on the doors, a latch device with a striker suspension cam and return spring, and a release operating device connected to the door handles, allowing the doors to be detachably fixed and released using a single latch on the vehicle body, reducing the number of components and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If three support and guide rails are used to support the sliding door, then the door can be stably supported during opening/closing, but the weight and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the support function and the latch function into a single integrated component (the rail assembly with integrated latch mechanism), eliminating the need for separate support rails and guide rails. This merging reduces the total number of components while maintaining stable support during door operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rail assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the sliding door, guides the door movement, and incorporates the latch mechanism for securing the door. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing overall complexity.
2Reliability
If three support and guide rails are used to support the sliding door, then the door can be stably supported during opening/closing, but the weight of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the support, guide, and latch functions into a single rail assembly, the patent eliminates redundant components that would add weight. The integrated design uses material efficiently, reducing the overall weight of the sliding door system while maintaining structural integrity and support stability.
3Reliability
If multiple support and guide rails are used, then the sliding door can be stably supported, but the design freedom is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic latch mechanism that can transition between locked and unlocked states, allowing the door to be securely held in position when needed while enabling easy opening when required. This dynamic capability provides design flexibility in terms of door operation modes and positioning requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism allows for adjustable parameters such as locking position, engagement force, and release characteristics, enabling the system to adapt to different door weights, sizes, and operational requirements. This parameter adjustability enhances design freedom while maintaining stable support.
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 system stably maintains the closed state of the sliding doors while allowing easy release through a single door latch, reducing the number of components and weight, and enhancing design flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a return spring configured to return the striker suspension cam to an original position after the striker suspension cam rotates
Data Source
AI summary
A sliding door latch for a vehicle may include a striker mounted on inner surfaces of a front sliding door and a rear sliding door opening a vehicle body opening formed in a vehicle body by moving forward and backward in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, which faces a vehicle compartment, a latch device suspending the striker to fix or release the striker, and a release operating device configured to release the latch device by operating door handles installed in the front sliding door and the rear sliding door, respectively.