Vehicle Latch Actuator with Recessed Sliding Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing remote latch actuator for tractor hoods is prone to misalignment due to deformation and manufacturing tolerances, leading to safety concerns and accidental release, as the protruding button or handle can be knocked or separated, allowing unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A tubular socket with a slidable element recessed within, requiring a key or thin implement for operation, preventing accidental activation and allowing for misalignment compensation through a pivoting mechanism, ensuring the rod moves freely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a protruding rubber button or handle is used as the remote actuator, then the latch can be easily operated, but the button can be accidentally knocked or separated, leading to safety hazards and unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element is nested within the socket structure, with the element being received inside the socket's inner bore. This nesting configuration protects the actuating element from external impacts while maintaining accessibility for authorized operation through the narrow bore opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket acts as an intermediary structure between the external environment and the actuating element. It provides a protective barrier that filters access to the element, allowing only appropriately sized tools or fingers to reach it, thereby preventing accidental activation while enabling intentional operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If a rigid rod passes through a hole in the hood or dashboard, then the actuator can be installed simply, but manufacturing tolerances and deformation can cause misalignment, making it difficult to release the latch
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element is designed with sliding capability within the socket, allowing it to move dynamically to compensate for misalignment. This dynamic adjustment enables the element to self-align with the rod position, maintaining operational functionality despite manufacturing tolerances or hood deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The narrow bore dimension of the socket is specifically designed to constrain the actuating element while still allowing sufficient movement range to accommodate misalignment. By carefully controlling the bore size parameter, the system achieves both alignment compensation and protection of the element.
3Reliability
If the actuating element is recessed within the socket with a narrow bore, then accidental activation is prevented, but the bore may become blocked by dirt, interfering with element movement
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element itself serves to clear the bore passage during normal operation. As the element slides within the narrow bore to actuate the latch, its movement automatically clears any accumulated dirt or debris, preventing blockage without requiring separate maintenance actions.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle having an openable body panel (10) and a latch with a pivotable release lever for holding the panel in a closed position, is provided with an actuator for remotely releasing the latch. The actuator comprising a rod (12) coupled at one end to the release lever of the latch. The other end of the rod (12) is connected to an element (30) that is slidably received within a tubular socket (14) fitted within a hole in the body panel. The element (30) is recessed within the socket (14) so as not to protrude beyond the outer surface of the body panel.