Universal Vehicle Door Latch Mechanism with Actuator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle door latch assemblies require multiple unique designs to accommodate different vehicle types, locations, and market variations, leading to increased costs and reduced flexibility in manufacturing and customization.
Innovation Solution
A universal latch system with a catch and pawl mechanism, actuated by an inside handle through a linkage assembly and actuator, allowing the door to open with either one or two pulls, depending on power availability, and featuring a locked condition that prevents actuation until the vehicle is powered off.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple unique latch assembly designs are used to accommodate different vehicle types and locations, then operational requirements are met, but design complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is designed as a universal mechanism that can be installed in multiple vehicle locations (front doors, rear doors, hatchbacks, minivans) and accommodate different operational requirements through a single standardized design, eliminating the need for multiple unique designs
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple unique latch assembly designs are used for different markets and vehicle locations, then specific functional requirements are satisfied, but manufacturing costs and servicing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized latch assembly design allows for mass production through single-source manufacturing, reducing per-unit costs and simplifying supply chain management while maintaining the ability to meet different market requirements through proper selection and configuration of the universal design
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple unique latch assembly designs are required for different vehicle configurations, then specific operational modes are achieved, but inventory requirements and servicing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The universal latch assembly design enables service personnel to work with a single design platform across all vehicle types and locations, simplifying training, reducing inventory requirements for spare parts, and facilitating easier repair and maintenance operations
Data Source
AI summary
A latch system for a door of a vehicle a latch assembly having a catch and a pawl, an actuatable inside handle, a linkage assembly mechanically linked between the inside handle and the latch assembly, and an actuator interconnected to the pawl and being configured to be activated by actuation of the inside handle. The catch is configured to be moved to the open position by activating the actuator to thereby move the pawl to stop the pawl from maintaining the catch in the closed position or by actuating the inside handle when the vehicle has power. The catch is also configured to be moved to the open position after actuation of the inside handle by having the inside handle mechanically move the linkage assembly to stop the pawl from maintaining the catch in the closed position when the vehicle does not have power.