Vehicle Panel Assembly Latch Mechanism for Tight Space Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles, panels connected to support structures within limited access spaces, such as those near monument walls, are difficult to disconnect and reconnect efficiently due to the confined space, hindering maintenance access to components like electrical wiring and HVAC equipment.
Innovation Solution
A panel assembly with latch assemblies, including a latch with movable jaws, a translating assembly with a track and follower, and a pull mechanism, allows for secure connection and easy disconnection from an overhead support structure within a small access space, enabling sliding and pivoting movements for panel removal and reattachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If panels are mounted securely to overhead support structures, then connection reliability is improved, but disconnection difficulty increases due to limited access space
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate functional components: a latch assembly for secure connection, a translating assembly with track and follower for controlled movement, and a pull mechanism for actuation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The translating assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the latch and the panel. It enables the panel to be gradually moved away from the support structure after latch release, providing technicians with access space while maintaining secure connection during normal operation.
2Shape
If panels are positioned close to monument walls to maintain aesthetic appearance, then visual appearance is improved, but maintenance access becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The panel connection system transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic removable connection. The latch can be engaged or disengaged, and the panel can be translated along the track, allowing the panel to be moved out of the way during maintenance while maintaining its positioned appearance during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch is pre-positioned in an engaged state to maintain the panel in its aesthetic position. When maintenance is needed, the pull mechanism is actuated to release the latch, and the translating assembly automatically begins to move the panel away from the monument wall, creating access space before the panel is fully removed.
3Volume of moving object
If latch assemblies are positioned within limited access space, then installation compactness is improved, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the translating assembly: the track provides guidance and constraint for panel movement, the follower engages with the track to enable controlled translation, and the pull mechanism provides actuation. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed in the limited access space while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The translating assembly is designed to automatically move the panel along the track when the latch is released. The follower automatically engages with the track geometry, and the panel self-translates to the maintenance position without requiring additional manual intervention or complex control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for an interior of a vehicle with the assembly having a monument wall configured to mount to the interior of the vehicle. A panel is configured to mount to an overhead support structure adjacent to the monument wall. The panel includes a front side configured to face into the interior of the vehicle and an opposing back side. One or more latch assemblies are configured to connect the panel to the overhead support structure adjacent to the monument wall. The latch assemblies include a latch mounted to the back side of the panel, a track with one or more rails, a follower with an arm and a head with the head sized to engage with the track, and a pull mechanism to unlock the latch.