Vehicle Trunk Latch Noise Reduction via Controlled Lever Collision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional latch devices for vehicle trunk lids generate significant operational noise when opened, which has not been adequately addressed in existing designs.
Innovation Solution
A latch device featuring a ratchet mechanism with an output member and an opening lever that rotates to a blocked position, mitigating impact force by colliding with the output member, thereby reducing noise through controlled rotation and absorption of impact forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the opening lever is directly driven by the output member without collision, then the structure is simpler, but the impact force is larger and noise is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by designing the opening lever to collide with the output member in a controlled manner. The output member has a collision surface that the opening lever impacts during rotation, which serves to cushion and absorb the impact force before it propagates through the system, thereby reducing noise while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful impact force into a beneficial noise-reduction mechanism. The collision between the opening lever and output member is designed to absorb impact energy through controlled deformation and vibration damping, transforming what would be harmful noise-generating impact into a beneficial energy absorption mechanism that reduces overall system noise
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the opening lever rotates freely without collision, then the operation is smoother, but the impact force is not mitigated and noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collision mechanism is designed to provide beforehand cushioning by positioning the collision surface on the output member such that the opening lever naturally collides with it during the opening operation. This collision occurs at the optimal point in the rotation sequence to cushion the impact force before it can cause excessive noise or damage
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 effectively reduces noise by absorbing and dispersing impact forces, enhancing the quiet operation of the latch device when the trunk lid is opened.
Implementation Method 1
the opening lever is further rotated a predetermined angle by colliding with the output member in the blocked position. Hence, the impact force generated when the output member abuts against the opening lever is mitigated
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention aims to reduce the operation noise of a latch device for a vehicle trunk lid when the lid is opened. A latch device for a vehicle trunk lid includes: latch 16 that is engaged with a striker; ratchet 18 that is engaged with latch 16; opening lever 43 that causes ratchet 18 to rotate in a direction in which ratchet 18 is disengaged from latch 16; output member 39 that rotates opening lever 43 in the release direction. Opening lever 43 is rotatable between an unblocked position where it is rotatable in the release direction and a blocked position where it is prevented from rotating in the release direction by colliding with the output member. When driven and rotated, output member 39 abuts against opening lever 43 that is in the unblocked position and rotates opening lever 43 in the release direction to the blocked position, and opening lever 43 is further rotated a predetermined angle by colliding with output member 39 in the blocked position.