Universal Vehicle Door Latch System Standardization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle door latch systems require multiple unique designs to accommodate different vehicle types and regional regulations, leading to increased manufacturing costs and reduced flexibility in customization and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A universal latch system with a latch assembly, actuatable inside and outside handles, and an emergency release lever, where the latch assembly includes a catch and pawl mechanism, allowing for standardized design across various vehicle types and enabling power-assisted operation and emergency release functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple unique latch assemblies are designed for different vehicle types and regions, then regulatory requirements and operational needs are met, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is designed with a universal base structure that can perform multiple functions through optional components. The system includes a standardized latch mechanism with optional child-lock features, power-assist integration, and emergency release capabilities that can be configured for different vehicle types and regional requirements without changing the core assembly design.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assembly is divided into modular components including a standardized base latch mechanism, optional child-lock modules, power-assist interfaces, and emergency release features. This segmentation allows manufacturers to assemble different configurations from the same set of standardized parts, reducing the number of unique designs needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple unique latch assemblies are designed for different vehicle types and regions, then specific operational requirements are met, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal latch assembly design serves multiple vehicle types and regional markets by incorporating optional features that can be activated or deactivated based on requirements. This eliminates the need to manufacture multiple unique assemblies, directly reducing production costs while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows different operational modes (single pull, double pull, child-lock enabled/disabled, power-assist integrated or not) to be achieved by changing configuration parameters rather than physical design. This enables cost-effective customization through software or simple mechanical adjustments rather than creating entirely different assemblies.
3Ease of manufacture
If standardized latch design is implemented across all vehicles, then manufacturing complexity and costs are reduced, but flexibility in meeting specific regulatory requirements decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized latch assembly is segmented into core functional components and optional feature modules. This allows the base design to remain simple and standardized for manufacturing efficiency, while specific regulatory or operational requirements can be met by adding or configuring appropriate modules without compromising the standardization benefits.
4Ease of operation
If power-assist actuator is integrated with latch assembly, then door opening convenience is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power-assist actuator is merged with the latch assembly as an integrated unit, sharing common mounting points, control interfaces, and structural elements. This reduces the overall system complexity compared to having separate power-assist and latch systems, while still providing the convenience of powered door opening.
Data Source
AI summary
A powered latch system for a door of a vehicle including a latch assembly, actuatable inside and outside handles, a powered actuator and a door controller that causes the powered actuator to unlatch the latch assembly upon actuation of the inside and outside door handles. The latch assembly may be mechanically unlatched by a user within a vehicle interior even if the powered actuator does not actuate due to a loss of electrical power or other failure. The controller can be programmed to unlatch the latch assembly according to various criteria as required to meet the specific requirements of different markets.