Vehicle Trim Panel Hatch Latch to Prevent Radial Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hatches in motor vehicle trim panels with poor bending rigidity can inadvertently unlock due to applied forces, such as when crossing a curb, compromising the secure closure and locking of the panel.
Innovation Solution
A rotary latch system with interlocking arcs and bosses ensures firm locking by matching grooves and bosses in adjusted contact, preventing radial sliding and maintaining the latch in the locked position despite deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a hatch made of material with poor bending rigidity is used, then the weight and complexity of the panel are reduced, but the hatch may inadvertently release from its locked state when subjected to deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism employs arc-shaped peripheral portions on both plates that conform to a circular arc geometry centered on the rotation axis. This curved geometry enables the latch to accommodate radial movements and deformations of the hatch while maintaining reliable locking through the grooved boss interlocking system, resolving the contradiction between using flexible materials and ensuring locking stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a simple linear latch design to a two-dimensional arc-based locking system. The peripheral portions of both plates are shaped as arcs of circles, creating a geometric interlocking system that operates in the radial dimension. This dimensional approach allows the latch to maintain engagement even when the hatch undergoes radial deformation, preventing inadvertent unlocking.
2Device complexity
If a simple latch mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the latch cannot prevent radial sliding movement of the hatch
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism features a nested interlocking system where a grooved peripheral portion on one plate receives a boss on the other plate. The groove and boss are positioned concentrically with respect to the rotation axis, creating a nested geometric relationship that prevents radial sliding while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Both peripheral portions are shaped as arcs of circles with the same center and radius, creating a curved interlocking interface. This arc-shaped geometry naturally prevents radial sliding movement while keeping the latch structure simple and manufacturable, as the curved surfaces guide the engagement and disengagement movements.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle trim panel (1), said panel being provided with an opening that can be closed off by a hatch (3) and with at least one catch (4) formed from a first plate (6) and a second plate (5), each of the plates having a peripheral portion (14) in the form of an arc of a circle, the two peripheral portions (14) facing one another when the catch is in the locked position, one of the plates (5) being provided with a groove extending along its peripheral portion (14) and the other of the plates (6) being provided with a boss which extends along its peripheral portion (14), a free edge (10) being provided with a locking impression (18) in the form of an arc of a circle, and when the catch is brought into the locked position, the impression is held snugly in a close fit between the groove and the boss so as to prevent the hatch from becoming unlocked.