Vehicle Door Latch Load Distribution via Segmented Base Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional door latch apparatuses increase weight and cost by thickening the second base member to receive input loads from a striker, which is not necessary for effective load distribution.
Innovation Solution
A door latch apparatus with a load receiving structure that includes a first load receiving portion extended from the first base member and a second load receiving portion from the second base member, allowing efficient load distribution without connecting them, enabling weight reduction and maintaining strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the plate thickness of the second base member is increased to enhance strength and receive the input load from the striker, then the strength to receive the input load is improved, but the weight of the door latch apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load receiving function is segmented between two separate base members. The first base member includes a first load receiving portion that receives the input load from the striker, while the second base member includes a second load receiving portion that provides additional load reception. This segmentation allows each base member to be thinner than a single thick base member would need to be, reducing overall weight while maintaining strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of uniformly increasing the plate thickness of the entire second base member, the invention applies load receiving portions only where needed. The first load receiving portion and second load receiving portion are localized structures that provide strength precisely where the input load from the striker needs to be received, allowing the rest of the base members to remain thin and lightweight.
2Strength
If the plate thickness of the second base member is increased to receive the input load, then the strength is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load receiving function is divided between two separate base members with respective load receiving portions. This segmentation allows for more efficient material usage and manufacturing processes compared to producing a single thick base member, potentially reducing material costs and manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies load receiving portions only in the specific locations where strength is needed to receive the input load from the striker. This localized approach to strengthening avoids the need to manufacture entire thick plates, reducing material waste and manufacturing costs while achieving the required strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A door latch apparatus for a door for a vehicle includes a first base member made of metal and including a striker receiving groove, a latch configured to be rotatable about a latch rotary shaft in an engagement direction in which the latch engages with the striker and a disengagement direction where the latch disengages from the striker, a second base member made of metal and arranged to face the first base member with the latch therebetween, the second base member fixed to the first base member, and a load receiving structure receiving an input load when the striker having entered into the striker receiving groove is biased towards the second base member, the load receiving structure receiving the input load with both a first load receiving portion extended from one base member towards the other base member, and a second load receiving portion provided at the other base member.