Vehicle Door Latch Two-Shaft Layout for Reduced Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door latches with both electrical and mechanical release mechanisms face challenges due to their combined axial superimposition, leading to increased thickness and difficulty in installation within the door body, and require independent yet compact integration.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle door latch design featuring a central opening lever that rotates around a first shaft and is driven by an electric gear wheel, with a mechanical lever rotatably arranged via a second shaft distinct from the first, allowing for independent operation and reduced thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If both electrical and mechanical release mechanisms are combined in a door latch, then the door can be opened both electrically and manually, but the axial superimposition of multiple levers increases the thickness making installation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from axial superimposition (one-dimensional stacking) to radial arrangement (two-dimensional distribution). The central opening lever rotates around a first shaft while the mechanical lever rotates around a second shaft positioned at a different radial location on the same lever body, distributing components in the radial direction rather than stacking them axially, thereby reducing overall thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical lever is integrated directly onto the central opening lever body, with the mechanical lever's rotation shaft positioned on the central opening lever. This nesting allows the mechanical release mechanism to be embedded within the structure of the electrical release mechanism, sharing common structural elements and reducing overall component count and thickness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If both electrical and mechanical release mechanisms are integrated, then comprehensive release functionality is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple independent mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The central opening lever serves dual purposes: it is the primary component for electrical release (rotating around the first shaft) and simultaneously serves as the mounting structure for the mechanical release mechanism (providing the second shaft and lever arm). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate independent mechanisms, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining both release capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the electrical and mechanical release mechanisms by positioning both rotation shafts on the same central opening lever body. The electrical mechanism's gear wheel engages with the central opening lever, while the mechanical lever's shaft is positioned on this same lever, creating an integrated structure where both mechanisms share common structural elements rather than operating as completely separate systems.
3Length of stationary object
If the mechanisms are arranged to reduce thickness, then installation becomes easier, but ensuring independent operation without cross-activation becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the release mechanisms by providing distinct rotation shafts (first shaft for electrical, second shaft for mechanical) positioned at different radial locations on the central opening lever. This spatial segmentation ensures that the actuation paths are physically separate, allowing each mechanism to operate independently without cross-activation, while both shafts are mounted on the same lever body to maintain compact thickness.
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
The design achieves a compact door latch that maintains independent operation of both mechanisms, reducing bulkiness while ensuring smooth functioning and ease of installation.
Implementation Method 1
an electric gear wheel that is configured to be moved by electric releasing motor from a rest position to an active position
Implementation Method 2
a central opening lever configured to rotate around a first shaft between a rest position and an active position wherein the central opening lever releases the retention unit in the open position
Implementation Method 3
a mechanical release mechanism comprising a mechanical lever configured to be displaced between a rest position and an active position, the mechanical lever being configured for displacing the central opening lever towards its active position when the mechanical lever is displaced towards its active position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
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AI summary
Vehicle door latch (1) comprising: - a retention unit (50) configured for engaging with a striker in a closed position and for releasing the striker in an open position, - a central opening lever (10) configured to rotate around a first shaft (40) between a rest position and an active position wherein the central opening lever (10) releases the retention unit (50) in the open position, - an electric releasing mechanism (9) comprising an electric gear wheel (13) that is configured to be moved by electric releasing motor (11) from a rest position to an active position, the said electrical gear wheel (13) being configured to displace the central opening lever (10), - a mechanical release mechanism (16) comprising a mechanical lever (17) configured to be displaced between a rest position and an active position, the mechanical lever (17) being configured for displacing the central opening lever (10) towards its active position when the mechanical lever (17) is displaced towards its active position, wherein the mechanical lever (17) is rotatably arranged to the central opening lever (10) via a second shaft (42) of the central opening lever (10) different than the first shaft (40).