Vehicle Latch Mechanism With Non-Contact Lever Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle latch mechanisms generate noise during the locking and unlocking of moving parts due to direct contact between the lever and latch components.
Innovation Solution
A latch mechanism with a drive module that rotates a lever to a locking angle without direct contact, using a cam gear and worm gear system, supported by a housing and springs, with sensors and a control board to minimize noise and facilitate maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the lever directly contacts the latch during locking operation, then the locking function is achieved, but noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
A cam mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the lever and the latch. The cam converts the lever's rotational motion into a controlled movement that engages the latch without direct contact between the lever and latch components, thereby reducing noise while maintaining the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The direct mechanical contact between the lever and latch is replaced with a cam-based mechanical system. The cam profile is designed to guide the engagement process, substituting the direct lever-latch contact with a more sophisticated mechanical intermediary that reduces noise generation.
2Ease of repair
If the drive source is integrated inside the housing, then the structure is compact, but maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure is segmented into accessible sections, and the drive source is positioned at a location that allows for easy removal and maintenance. The housing design includes access points or removable sections that facilitate maintenance of the drive source without requiring complete disassembly of the entire housing structure.
3Ease of operation
If the lever rotates to lock the latch, then the locking action is achieved, but contact between lever and latch generates noise
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism serves as a mediator that translates the lever's rotation into a noise-free latch engagement. The cam profile is specifically designed to control the engagement sequence, ensuring that the latch is secured without the lever directly contacting the latch components that would generate noise.
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
Minimizes noise during locking and unlocking by ensuring non-contact operation of the lever and latch, while allowing easy access for maintenance and reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring installed between the housing and the latch
Implementation Method 2
a second spring installed between the housing and the lever
Implementation Method 3
a worm gear meshed with the cam gear; and a drive source that rotates the worm gear
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A latch mechanism for a vehicle comprises a latch that is rotated by a striker and locks the striker in a locking position; a lever that locks or releases the latch; and a drive module that rotates the lever to a latch locking angle after the latch is rotated to a locking angle that locks the striker in the locking position, wherein the lever is not in contact with the latch when the lever is at the latch locking angle.