Apparatus for blocking the movement of an inertially activated component
US7481468B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 25, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jan 27, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 13, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T292/1063
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A blocking apparatus is cooperable with the latch lever of a vehicle door latching mechanism to prevent the latch lever from moving during a crash event, which prevents the latching mechanism from allowing the vehicle door to open. The blocking apparatus includes a housing supporting a linearly movable plunger engagable with a cam surface on the latch lever and a blocking member pivotally mounted for movement between a normal position and a blocking position. The blocking member moves into the blocking position due to the imposition of crash forces on the blocking member during a crash event. A centering spring mechanism biases the blocking member into the normal position and can return the blocking member into the normal position to permit movement of the latch lever after the crash event has occurred. The plunger is biased into engagement with the latch lever so as to move with the cam surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.