Integrated Vehicle Door Latch Switch Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle door latch devices with a 'reaction force halving structure' require separate switch assemblies for the latch and ratchet, increasing installation complexity and costs due to their distinct arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A switch assembly with a common switch case housing both latch and ratchet switches, arranged on the front face of the latch body with the switches isolated across the striker's moving trajectory, allowing for a single installation and reduced manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate switch assemblies are prepared for latch and ratchet, then detection function is ensured, but installation complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the latch switch and ratchet switch into a single integrated switch assembly. The switch case houses both switches, and the single lever mechanism detects positions of both the latch and ratchet through its movement, eliminating the need for separate switch assemblies and reducing installation complexity while maintaining detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The single lever in the switch assembly serves multiple functions: it detects both latch positions (latched/unlatched) and ratchet positions (engaged/disengaged) through its pivotal movement. This multi-functional design allows one component to perform the detection tasks previously requiring separate components, thereby simplifying the overall system
2Measurement precision
If separate switch assemblies are prepared for latch and ratchet, then detection accuracy is maintained, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the latch switch and ratchet switch into a single integrated assembly with a common switch case and shared lever mechanism, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs while the lever's design ensures accurate detection of both latch and ratchet positions
3Force
If latch and ratchet are arranged separately on front face, then reaction force is dispersed, but switch assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switch assembly uses a segmented detection approach where the single lever is positioned to independently detect latch position and ratchet position through its pivotal movement. The lever's movement path allows it to engage with different detection points for the latch and ratchet separately, maintaining the functional separation needed for force distribution while integrating the switching mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A switch assembly of a vehicle door latch device, the switch assembly includes: a latch switch detecting a position of a latch, the latch being pivotally supported by a latch shaft to be engaged with a striker; a ratchet switch that detecting a position of a ratchet, the ratchet being pivotally supported by a ratchet shaft to be engaged with the latch and prevented reverse rotation of the latch; and a one common switch case that the latch switch and the ratchet switch are installed in the one common switch case. The latch shaft and the ratchet shaft are arranged to be isolated across a striker moving trajectory of the striker. The one common switch case is arranged on a latch body on one side of a striker moving trajectory.