applied
sciences
Article
Study on Inertia Load Resistance Analysis Method of Light
Truck Door Latch
Jian Hu *, Lei Xu, Sangdu Guo, Yiming Sun and Gangyan Li *
Citation: Hu, J.; Xu, L.; Guo, S.; Sun,
Y.; Li, G. Study on Inertia Load
Resistance Analysis Method of Light
Truck Door Latch. Appl. Sci. 2022, 12,
4171. https://doi.org/10.3390/
app12094171
Academic Editors: Hernâni Miguel
Reis Lopes and Elza Maria
Morais Fonseca
Received: 21 March 2022
Accepted: 18 April 2022
Published: 21 April 2022
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Copyright: © 2022 by the authors.
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This article is an open access article
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Attribution (CC BY) license (https://
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/
4.0/).
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 4171. https://doi.org/10.3390/app12094171
School of Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, 122 Luoshi Road,
Wuhan 430070, China; 205739@whut.edu.cn (L.X.); 259445@whut.edu.cn (S.G.); sunyiming@whut.edu.cn (Y.S.)
* Correspondence: hujian@whut.edu.cn (J.H.); gangyanli@whut.edu.cn (G.L.)
Abstract: Aiming at the problem of door opening caused by the unlocking of the side door latch
system under the action of inertial force when the car is in a side impact, this paper takes a light truck
door latch as the research object, and proposes an inertia load resistance analysis method combining
theoretical calculation and simulation analysis. Through the theoretical calculation of inertia load
resistance of the door latch, the force of each part and the rotation of the pawl are analyzed. We
perform inertia load resistance simulation analysis on the latch to verify the reliability of the theoretical
calculation results. If the theoretical calculation result is that the latch will be unlocked under the
inertia load of 60 g (588 m/s2 ), we compare the force of each part in the theoretical calculation
process with the normal opening condition of the latch to provide a basis for the optimization of
the latch structure. Finally, theoretical calculations and a simulation analysis are carried out on
the optimized results again, and a latch structure that meets the requirements of the inertia load
resistance is obtained. Since the results obtained from the inertia load resistance simulation analysis
are basically consistent with the theoretical calculation results of the inertia load resistance and the
inertia load resistance simulation requires a lot of computing time, after the verification of the inertia
load resistance simulation analysis, firstly, the inertia load resistance simulation step can be omitted
in the subsequent structural optimization process.
Keywords: light truck door lock; inertia load resistance; side impact load; theoretical calculation;
simulation analysis
1. Introduction
Vehicle side impact is a common type of accident. According to the World Health
Organization’s 2018 statistics, about 1.35 million people die in traffic accidents every year
around the world, and in the car-to-car side impact, the passenger’s death risk is 85% at a
speed of 65 km/h [1]. In a side impact accident, if the door is opened abnormally, it will
increase the risk of the driver and occupant being thrown out of the car and foreign objects
entering the car, causing injury to the driver and occupant. Therefore, car door locks and
door hinges play a very critical role in ensuring the safety of drivers and occupants.
At present, relevant studies have been carried out on the abnormal opening of side
doors caused by side impact. In terms of the door opening caused by the inertial force of the
door latch system, Qianghong Li et al. [2] analyzed the difficulties of the calculation of the
inertial load resistance of the door locks and put forward a solution. The calculation process
was given, the differences between the test and the calculation were summarized, and tests
were conducted for comparing and validating the calculation. Guangxue Ding et al. [3–5]
expressed the mechanical analysis of the inertia load resistance of the door handle by a
calculation formula. The opening action and mechanics (torque) transmission process of the
door latch systems were calculated, the calculation principle and method of the inertia load
resistance of the door latch system were expounded, and the calculation model of the inertia
load resistance performance of the door latch system was established. By establishing the
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Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 4171 2 of 16

mathematical model of the opening mechanism of the vehicle side door latch system, a
calculation system for calculating the relationship between the key arrangement points of
the vehicle side door latch system opening mechanism and its mechanical properties was
developed. However, the calculation and simulation were limited by the transfer of the
inertial force of the outside handle to the outside open toggle arm, and the internal parts of
the latch were not involved.
In terms of the opening force of the car door lock, Chiang JY. et al. [6] conducted the
statistical tolerance analyses of these operating efforts of an automotive door latch system,
developed the equations for latching, release effort, and cinch effort, and then explored the
robustness of these three operating efforts by employing Monte Carlo simulations based
on Weibull distribution functions, but this study was limited to low-speed manipulation.
Xueming He et al. [7] analyzed and optimized the cause of the failure from three aspects—
pawl return spring torque, pawl clearance friction, and pawl grease damping resistance—in
view of the problem that a car door lock could not be closed in the subzero low-temperature
environment. Lee Y.H. et al. [8,9] obtained the calculation equation of the door lock
operating force, analyzed the influence of each variable and each part on the maximum
operating force, and analyzed the maximum operating force due to the change in the
distance from the center of the rotation to the contact point between the parts.
In terms of side impact simulation, Wu X.C. et al. [10] used the computer simulation
method to study the crashworthiness of car bumper systems and conducted a low-speed
impact simulation of the bumper system to forecast the crash displacement and deformation
of the bumper system through the process of simulation. Fei Li et al. [11] aimed at the
problem of the rear side door opening in a side impact evaluation test of a certain vehicle
model and used LS-DYNA software to carry out the benchmarking analysis of the side
impact to find the cause for why the rear side door was opened and to carry out a structural
optimization analysis on this basis. Fang Shi [12] conducted a rear and side trolley crash test
and finite element simulation analysis for a domestic car child restraint system, established
a side impact simulation model, and analyzed the influencing factors of its side impact
safety performance, but lacked a corresponding test to verify the results. Yeom K. et al. [13]
used a side impact test assessment by computer simulation and developed a side system
simulation model. A method was proposed using this side system simulation model
that could probabilistically assess a full vehicle side impact performance. However, this
study was limited to analyzing the damage caused to the dummy by the side impact and
did not analyze the impact on the door opening. Long C.R. et al. [14] used a numerical
model of a lightweight passenger car to simulate a side impact on the front side door
using the LS-DYNA R7.1.1 explicit solver and carried out an impact test and drop test to
validate the equivalent finite element model. The side impact beam was isolated for limited
geometric optimization with a view to improve the crashworthiness of the vehicle. Xiaojie
Huang et al. [15] designed an inertial protection mechanism embedded in the vehicle door
latch mechanism, carried out a dynamic simulation on it, and studied the switching process
of the mechanism between two modes during the vehicle impact. However, the use of the
inertial protection mechanism would increase the cost of the door lock and the weight of the
latch. Maria M.A. et al. [16] studied the effects produced during a lateral impact on a small
impact area, conducted two sets of comparative experiments to highlight the importance
of door reinforcements and to study the action of lateral doors when subjected to a lateral
impact. Hequan Wu et al. [17] combined a reliability optimization design method, finite
element analysis, optimal Latin hypercube test design, and response surface approximation
model to optimize the side structure of electric vehicles and improve its crashworthiness.
More K.C. et al. [18] conducted a comparative study of three cross-sectional profiles, three
gauges, and three materials for a side door intrusion beam. A comparative study of side
door intrusion beams was performed to find out the force reaction and energy absorption
capacity of the beams to protect the occupant from the side impact by using FEA software.
Weiwei Wang et al. [19] proposed a novel negative Poisson’s ratio door anti-collision
beam based on star-shaped cellular structural material and optimized it with a reliability-
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 4171 3 of 16

based optimization scheme. The ultimate optimized NPR anti-collision beam not only
ameliorated the driver’s protection and side crashworthiness but also ensured reliability
and was lightweight.
In terms of a side impact test, Kim J.Y. et al. [20] conducted three-point bending stress
experiments on conventional impact beams, analyzed the results, and used a side door
impact test apparatus to test the performance of beams made of three different materials
(steel, aluminum, and composite beams) to reduce the weight of the impact beams while
ensuring stability, reliability, and comparison data of the impact beam for mass production.
Ganessh T.S. et al. [21] focused on the evaluation of injury parameters of the ES II dummy
during the side impact of different vehicles with different spaces, sections, and materials,
and understood the sensitivity of the space, B-pillar section, and material, which affected the
injury parameters through comparison. Chuanxing Li et al. [22,23] analyzed the influence
of a local deformation of the door sheet metal on a door opening based on the test results of
a side-moving deformable barrier of a certain car. By improving the door structure and the
size of the outer handle, the deformation mode of the sheet metal and the floating amount
of the outer handle were optimized and verified by a simulation and experiment. Through
the orthogonal matrix experimental design method, the quantitative influence of the door
parts on the local deformation of the door outer sheet metal was studied based on a CAE
simulation, and two key optimization directions to improve the local deformation of the
sheet metal were proposed.
Aiming at the problem of the outer opening handle and the door latch being subjected
to inertial force, unlocking the door lock and causing the latch and the striker to disengage,
which causes the door to open abnormally when a light truck door latch system is in a side
impact, this paper studies the inertia load resistance analysis method of the door latch. The
rest of this article is arranged as follows: First, we carried out the theoretical calculation of
the inertia load resistance of the latch to obtain whether the inertia load resistance of the
latch meets the requirements. Secondly, we compared the theoretical calculation results
with the calculation results under normal opening conditions to find out the reasons for
the unlocking of the latch and provided a basis for the structural optimization of the door
latch system. Thirdly, the theoretical calculation results were verified by a finite element
simulation to determine whether the inertia load resistance of the optimized latch meets the
requirements. The method can provide a basis for the optimal design of the latch structure
of a light truck door lock so that it can meet the requirements of the inertia load resistance,
shorten the development cycle, and save development costs.

2. Light Truck Door Latch and Its Inertia Load Resistance Analysis Process
2.1. Working Mechanism of a Light Truck Door Latch
The internal structure model of a light truck door latch is shown in Figure 1. The
latch can realize the door holding function through the holding mechanism, realize the
opening function of the vehicle door through the inner and outer opening mechanism, and
realize the locking and unlocking functions of the vehicle door lock through the locking
mechanism. The three-dimensional models of the holding mechanism, the inner and outer
opening mechanism, and the locking mechanism are shown in Figures 2–4, respectively.
The holding mechanisms of the door latch are mainly composed of metal parts, includ-
ing the striker, pawl, pawl riveting shaft, bottom plate, fork-bolt, auxiliary bottom plate,
and fork-bolt riveting shaft. When the fork-bolt and the pawl are in the fully latched posi-
tion, as shown in Figure 2, the striker can be locked in the latch and cannot be disengaged,
thus realizing the holding function of the door lock.
Appl.
Appl.Sci. 2022,12,
Sci.2022, 12,4171
x FOR PEER REVIEW 44 of
of1623

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 23

Figure1.1.The
Figure Theinternal
internalstructure
structuremodel
modelofofa alight
lighttruck
truckdoor
doorlatch.
latch.

7 6 5 4

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 23

1 2 3

Figure2.2.The
Figure Theholding
holdingmechanism
mechanismmodel.
model. (1)
(1) Striker,
Striker, (2)
(2)pawl,
pawl,(3)
(3)pawl
pawlriveting
rivetingshaft,
shaft,(4)
(4)bottom
bottom
plate,(5)
plate, (5)fork-bolt,
fork-bolt,(6)
(6)auxiliary
auxiliarybottom
bottomplate,
plate,(7)
(7)fork-bolt
fork-boltriveting
rivetingshaft.
shaft.

11 10

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Figure3.3.The
Figure Theinner
innerand
andouter opening
outer openingmechanism
mechanism model.
model. (1)(1)
Outside
Outsideopening
openingtoggle arm,
toggle (2) opening
arm, (2) open-
connect arm, arm,
ing connect (3) lock
(3) return torsion
lock return spring,
torsion (4) pawl
spring, (4) connect arm, (5)
pawl connect pawl
arm, (5)connect shaft, (6)
pawl connect pawl,
shaft, (6)
pawl,
(7) (7) opening
opening connectconnect arm torsion
arm torsion spring, spring,
(8) pawl(8) pawl riveting
riveting shaft, (9)shaft,
pawl(9) pawl spring,
torsion torsion (10)
spring, (10)
inside
inside opening
opening toggle
toggle arm arm spring,
torsion torsion (11)
spring, (11)opening
inside inside opening toggle arm.
toggle arm.
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 23

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 4171 5 of 16

7 6 5 4

1 2 3

Figure4.4. The
Figure The locking
locking mechanism
mechanism model.
model. (1)
(1) Pawl
Pawl connect
connect arm,
arm, (2)
(2) locking
locking connect
connect arm,
arm, (3)
(3) key
key
locking
lockingtoggle
togglearm,
arm,(4)
(4)motor,
motor,(5)
(5)worm,
worm,(6)
(6)locking
lockinggear,
gear,(7)
(7)inside
insidelocking
lockingtoggle
togglearm.
arm.

The
Theinner andmechanisms
holding outer opening ofmechanisms
the door latchof the
are door
mainly lock body are mainly
composed of metalcomposed
parts, in-
of an outside opening toggle arm, opening connect arm, lock return torsion
cluding the striker, pawl, pawl riveting shaft, bottom plate, fork-bolt, auxiliary bottom spring, pawl
connect arm, pawl connect shaft, pawl, opening connect arm torsion spring,
plate, and fork-bolt riveting shaft. When the fork-bolt and the pawl are in the fully latchedpawl riveting
shaft, pawl
position, astorsion
shown spring, inside
in Figure opening
2, the striker toggle
can be arm torsion
locked in thespring, andcannot
latch and inside be
opening
disen-
toggle arm. Under the action of manpower, the inner handle drives the inner opening
gaged, thus realizing the holding function of the door lock.
toggle arm to rotate through the pull wire so that the pawl connect arm hooks the pawl
The inner and outer opening mechanisms of the door lock body are mainly composed
connect shaft and drives the pawl to rotate, unlocking the latch. The outer handle drives
of an outside opening toggle arm, opening connect arm, lock return torsion spring, pawl
the outer opening toggle arm to rotate through the pull lever so that the pawl connect arm
connect arm, pawl connect shaft, pawl, opening connect arm torsion spring, pawl riveting
hooks the pawl connect shaft and drives the pawl to rotate, unlocking the latch.
shaft, pawl torsion spring, inside opening toggle arm torsion spring, and inside opening
The locking mechanisms of the door lock body are mainly composed of the pawl
toggle arm. Under the action of manpower, the inner handle drives the inner opening
connect arm, locking connect arm, key locking toggle arm, motor, worm, locking gear, and
toggle arm to rotate through the pull wire so that the pawl connect arm hooks the pawl
inside locking toggle arm. The inside locking toggle arm, the motor, and the key locking
connect shaft and drives the pawl to rotate, unlocking the latch. The outer handle drives
toggle arm, respectively, drive the locking connect arm to rotate so that the pawl connect
the outer opening toggle arm to rotate through the pull lever so that the pawl connect arm
arm and the pawl connect shaft are separated, the kinematic chain is interrupted, and the
hooks the pawl connect shaft and drives the pawl to rotate, unlocking the latch.
locking functions of inside locking, remote locking, and key locking can be realized.
The locking mechanisms of the door lock body are mainly composed of the pawl
2.2. Light arm,
connect Trucklocking
Door Lock connect arm, key
Performance locking toggle arm, motor, worm, locking gear,
Requirements
and According
inside locking
to thetoggle arm. The
American SAEinside locking
standard toggle arm,
SAEJ839v002, the
the motor,
basic and the key
requirements forlock-
the
ing toggle arm, respectively, drive the locking connect
mechanical properties of the car door latch are as shown below. arm to rotate so that the pawl con-
nect arm and the pawl connect shaft are separated, the kinematic chain is interrupted, and
(1) Longitudinal Load—An automotive door latch and striker assembly, when tested as
the locking functions of inside locking, remote locking, and key locking can be realized.
described under test procedures, must be able to withstand an ultimate longitudinal
load of 11,000 N when in the fully latched position and 4450 N when in the secondary
2.2. Light Truck Door Lock Performance Requirements
latched position.
According to
(2) Transverse the American
Load—An SAE standard
automotive door latchSAEJ839v002,
and striker the basic requirements
assembly, when tested for as
the mechanical properties of the car door latch are as shown below.
described under test procedures, must be able to withstand an ultimate transverse
(1) load
Longitudinal
of 8900 NLoad—An
when in the automotive doorposition
fully latched latch andandstriker
4450 N assembly,
when in when tested as
the secondary
described
latched under test procedures, must be able to withstand an ultimate longitudinal
position.
(3) Inertia
load of Load—An
11,000 N when automotive door
in the fully latch,position
latched when contained
and 4450 in N the
when door latch
in the system
secondary
(including the door latch, striker assembly, outside handle, key cylinder, and any con-
latched position.
(2) necting mechanisms),
Transverse Load—Anand in the fullydoor
automotive latched
latchposition, whenassembly,
and striker evaluatedwhen
by calculation,
tested as
must remain in the fully latched position when subjected to an inertia
described under test procedures, must be able to withstand an ultimate transverse load of 30g in
any direction.
 load of 8900 N when in the fully latched position and 4450 N when in the secondary
latched position.
(3) Inertia Load—An automotive door latch, when contained in the door latch system
(including the door latch, striker assembly, outside handle, key cylinder, and any
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 4171 connecting mechanisms), and in the fully latched position, when evaluated by 6calcu-
of 16
lation, must remain in the fully latched position when subjected to an inertia load of
30g in any direction.
Inthis
In thisstudy,
study,when
whenanalyzing
analyzingthe theinertia
inertiaload
loadresistance
resistanceof ofthe
thelight
lighttruck
truckdoor
doorlatch,
latch,
thefollowing
the followingrequirements
requirementswerewerecarried
carriedout:
out:
Whenthe
When thedoor
doorlock
lockisisin
inthe
thefully
fullylatched
latchedposition,
position,ititcan
canwithstand
withstandan aninertia
inertiaload
loadofof
60ggof
60 ofacceleration
accelerationand
and3030ms msofofaction
actiontime
timeininany
anydirection
directionand
andcan
canmaintain
maintainthethefully
fully
latched
latchedposition.
position.

2.3.
2.3.Analysis
AnalysisofofUnlocking
UnlockingCauses
CausesofofLight
LightTruck
TruckDoor
DoorLatch
Latchunder
underSide
SideImpact
ImpactLoad
Load
According
According to the holding mechanism of the light truck door latch, the the
to the holding mechanism of the light truck door latch, following
following con-
conditions will cause the latch to disengage from the striker:
ditions will cause the latch to disengage from the striker:
(1)
(1) The structures of
The structures ofthethefork-bolt,
fork-bolt,pawl,
pawl, bottom
bottom plate,
plate, auxiliary
auxiliary bottom
bottom plate,plate, and
and rivet-
riveting shaft are greatly deformed or even damaged, which makes
ing shaft are greatly deformed or even damaged, which makes the holding function the holding
function
invalid. invalid.
(2)
(2) The pawl
The pawl rotates
rotates in
in the
the unlocking
unlocking direction
direction until
until ititcannot
cannotblock
blockthe
therotation
rotationofofthe
the
fork-bolt
fork-bolt so that the fork-bolt cannot lock the striker, and the latch is unlockedand
so that the fork-bolt cannot lock the striker, and the latch is unlocked and
disengaged
disengaged from
from the
thestriker,
striker,as
asshown
shownininFigure
Figure5.5.

7 6 5 4 3

Striker release direction 1 2

Figure5.5.Schematic
Figure Schematicdiagram
diagramof ofthe
thedisengagement
disengagementof ofthe
thelatch
latchand
andthe
thestriker.
striker.(1)
(1)Striker,
Striker,(2)
(2)pawl,
pawl,
(3) pawl riveting shaft, (4) bottom plate, (5) fork-bolt, (6) auxiliary bottom plate, (7) fork-bolt
(3) pawl riveting shaft, (4) bottom plate, (5) fork-bolt, (6) auxiliary bottom plate, (7) fork-bolt riveting
shaft. shaft.
riveting

Sincethe
Since thetotal
totalmass
massof ofthe
thelight
lighttruck
truckdoor
doorlock
lockbody
bodyisisabout
about300300g,g,under
underthetheaction
action
of a 60 g impact load, the inertial force of the entire latch is about 180 N and
of a 60 g impact load, the inertial force of the entire latch is about 180 N and the generated the generated
stressisisfar
stress farless
lessthan
than
thethe strength
strength limit
limit of the
of the material.
material. Therefore,
Therefore, the possibility
the possibility of struc-
of structural
tural deformation
deformation or evenordamage
even damage
was not was not considered
considered in the inertia
in the inertia load resistance
load resistance analysis.anal-
It
ysis.only
was It was only necessary
necessary to study to thestudy theload
inertia inertia load resistance
resistance of the
of the latch andlatch andthe
analyze analyze the
rotation
of the pawl.
rotation When
of the theWhen
pawl. door the
is closed,
door isthe pawlthe
closed, is held
pawlinisthe fully
held latched
in the positionposition
fully latched by the
preload torque of the pawl torsion spring. In the normal opening condition, the opening
force acts on the outside handle to overcome the torque of the outside handle torsion spring
so that the counterweight mechanism rotates. The counterweight mechanism exerts a
pulling force on the latch through the lever so that the outside opening toggle arm drives
the pawl connect arm to move through the opening connect arm. When the pawl connect
arm hooks the pawl connect shaft, it drives the pawl to rotate to unlock the latch. When
subjected to a 60 g side inertia load, under the action of inertial force, the outside handle
 opening force acts on the outside handle to overcome the torque of the outside handle
torsion spring so that the counterweight mechanism rotates. The counterweight mecha-
nism exerts a pulling force on the latch through the lever so that the outside opening tog-
gle arm drives the pawl connect arm to move through the opening connect arm. When the
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 4171 pawl connect arm hooks the pawl connect shaft, it drives the pawl to rotate to unlock 7the of 16
latch. When subjected to a 60 g side inertia load, under the action of inertial force, the
outside handle and the parts of the outer opening kinematic chain of the lock will generate
a resultant moment that overcomes the preload torque of the torsion spring of the pawl,
and the parts of the outer opening kinematic chain of the lock will generate a resultant
and the pawl will rotate. As a result, the latch is abnormally unlocked. Friction only makes
moment that overcomes the preload torque of the torsion spring of the pawl, and the pawl
the latch moreAs
will rotate. difficult to the
a result, unlock,
latchsoisitabnormally
can be ignored in calculations
unlocked. Friction and
onlysimulations.
makes the latch
more difficult to unlock, so it can be ignored in calculations and simulations.
2.4. Light Truck Door Latch Inertia Load Resistance Analysis Process
2.4.InLight
this Truck
study,Door Latch
a light Inertia
truck door Load Resistance
latch system was Analysis Process
subjected to a 60 g side impact load
as an example
In this study, a light truck door latch system was subjected of
to study the inertia load resistance analysis process tothe
a 60door latch.
g side Firstly,
impact load
the theoretical calculation of inertia load resistance was carried out on the
as an example to study the inertia load resistance analysis process of the door latch. Firstly, latch and the
force of each partcalculation
the theoretical on the outside opening
of inertia loadkinematic
resistancechainwas of the latch
carried out and
on thethelatch
rotation
and ofthe
the pawl
force of were analyzed.
each part on theSecondly, the inertia
outside opening load resistance
kinematic simulation
chain of the latch and analysis of theof
the rotation
outside
the pawl opening
were kinematic
analyzed. chain model
Secondly, theofinertia
the lock wasresistance
load carried out to verify the
simulation reliability
analysis of the
ofoutside
the theoretical
openingcalculation results.
kinematic chain Thirdly,
model if the
of the locktheoretical
was carried calculation result
out to verify thewas that
reliability
the
of latch will be unlocked
the theoretical under
calculation the action
results. of aif 60
Thirdly, thegtheoretical
side impact load, the result
calculation force ofwaseachthat
part
thein the will
latch theoretical calculation
be unlocked under process
the actionwasof compared
a 60 g side withimpacttheload,
normal opening
the force condi-
of each part
in the
tion theoretical
of the latch tocalculation
provide a basisprocessforwas
the compared
optimization withofthethenormal opening condition
latch structure. Finally, aof
the latch to
theoretical provide aand
calculation basissimulation
for the optimization
analysis ofof theinertia
the latch structure. Finally,
load resistance a theoretical
were carried
calculation
out on the latchandafter
simulation analysis
the structure of the inertia
optimization, andloadtheresistance were carried
latch structure that met out onre-
the the
latch after of
quirements thethe
structure
inertiaoptimization,
load resistance andwas
the obtained.
latch structure that metanalysis
The specific the requirements
process isof
the inertia
shown load 6.
in Figure resistance was obtained. The specific analysis process is shown in Figure 6.

Start

Inertia load resistance

theoretical analysis
Structure
Obtained the force of each part optimization
and the rotation of the pawl

Inertia load resistance Compare with normal

simulation analysis working conditions to find
out the reason for disengage

Is the door latch

disengaged?
Yes
No
End

Figure
Figure6.6.The
Theflow
flowchart
chartof
of the inertia load
the inertia loadresistance
resistanceanalysis
analysisofof the
the latch
latch of the
of the light
light truck
truck doordoor
latch.
latch.
3. Theoretical Calculation of Inertia Load Resistance of Light Truck Door Latch
3.3.1. Torque Calculation
Theoretical of the
Calculation ofTorsion
InertiaSpring of a Light Truck
Load Resistance Door Truck
of Light Latch Door Latch
For the torque calculation of the torsion spring, refer to the
3.1. Torque Calculation of the Torsion Spring of a Light Truck Door Latch Spring Design Manual [24].
TheFor
torque calculation
the torque formula
calculation of of
thethe torsion
torsion spring
spring, is as
refer tofollows:
the Spring Design Manual [24].
The torque calculation formula of the torsion4 spring is as follows:
d ×E
T= 4 ×Φ (1)
3667 × D ×𝑑N × 𝐸 × ( A + B)
+ 389
𝑇= × 𝛷 (1)
3667 × 𝐷 × 𝑁 + 389 × (𝐴 + 𝐵)
where d is the wire diameter of the torsion spring, E is Young’s modulus of elasticity of the
torsion spring material, D is the mean coil diameter of the torsion spring, N is the total
number of coils of the torsion spring, A is the length of the stationary side of the torsion
spring, B is the length of the moving side of the torsion spring, and Φ is the torsion angle
of the torsion spring.
The torsion spring parameters involved in the theoretical calculation are shown in
Table 1.
 Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 4171 8 of 16

Table 1. Torsion spring parameter table.

Wire Mean Coil Total Number Arm Length 1 Arm Length 2

Name Material
Diameter/mm Diameter/mm of Coils /mm /mm
Outside handle torsion spring 1.7 11.5 8.25 65 Mn 12 12
Opening connect arm torsion spring 1.2 12 5.4 65 Mn 23 5.6
Lock return torsion spring 0.8 7 3.55 65 Mn 16.3 6.1
Pawl torsion spring 1.2 10.8 4.25 65 Mn 17 8.4

In the theoretical calculation of inertia load resistance, the torque value is the average
value of the preload torque and the torque at the maximum stroke. We substituted the
parameters in Table 1 into Formula (1) and calculated the torque of torsion spring as shown
in Table 2.

Table 2. Torsion of torsion spring.

Inertia Load Resistance Torque When Fully

Name Preload Torque/(N·mm)
Calculation Torque/(N·mm) Disengaged/(N·mm)
Outside handle torsion spring/M0 − − 341.92
Outside open torsion spring/M1 113.79 130.04 146.30
Lock back torsion spring/M2 32.00 − −
Pawl torsion spring/M3 124.80 139.55 154.30

3.2. Calculation of Force of Light Truck Door Latch Outside Handle

According to the movement of each part, they are divided into moving parts and
rotating parts, and Formulas (2) and (3) can be obtained by analyzing the force conditions
of the parts.
∑ Fi = 0 (2)

∑ Fi Li = M (3)
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW The three-dimensional model of the light truck door latch system outside handle 11 of 2
structure is shown in Figure 7.

1 2 3 4 5

Figure7.7.Outside
Figure Outside handle
handle structure.
structure. (1) Handle,
(1) Handle, (2) counterweight,
(2) counterweight, (3) counterweight
(3) counterweight mechanism
mechanism,
(4) outside handle torsion spring, (5)
(4) outside handle torsion spring, (5) lever.lever.

The
Theforce of of
force thethe
outside handle
outside is shown
handle in Figure
is shown 8. OH 8.
in Figure is the
OH handle rotationrotation
is the handle center, center
FFHI
HI is
isthe
thehandle
handle inertial force,
inertial andand
force, FH1 FisH1
the
isthrust of theof
the thrust counterweight mechanism
the counterweight on
mechanism on
the handle.
the handle.
 Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 12 of 23

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 4171 9 of 16

FH1
LH1

OH

LHI

FHI

Figure 8. Schematic
Figure8. diagramof
Schematic diagram ofhandle
handleforce.
force.
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 13 of 23
The
The force
force of
of the
the counterweight mechanismof
counterweight mechanism ofthe
theoutside
outsidehandle
handleisisshown
shownininFigure
Figure 9.
O9.CW the rotation center of the counterweight mechanism, F
OCW is the rotation center of the counterweight mechanism, FCW is the inertial force of
is CW is the inertial force of the
counterweight block, and F
the counterweight block, and Fpull is the pulling force of the counterweight mechanism by the
pull is the pulling force of the counterweight mechanism by
lever, and and
the lever, the inertial force
the inertial of the
force counterweight
of the mechanism
counterweight mechanism itself
itselfcan
canbe
beignored.
ignored.

FH1'

LH1'

OCW

LCW
M0
FCW

FPull

LPull

Figure 9. Schematic diagram of counterweight mechanism.

Figure 9. Schematic diagram of counterweight mechanism.
The parameters of the parts involved in the theoretical calculation are shown in Table 3.
The parameters of the parts involved in the theoretical calculation are shown in Table 3.
Table 3. Parts parameters.
Table 3. Parts parameters.
Name Volume/mm3 Density (kg/m3 )3 Mass/g
Name Volume/mm3 Density (kg/m ) Mass/g
Outside
Outsidehandle
handle -- -- 139139
Outside handle
Outside handle counterweight -- 7860
7860 70 70
counterweight
Outside open toggle arm 2355 1370 -
Outside open toggle arm 2355 1370 -
Openingconnect
Opening connectarm
arm 540
540 7850
7850 - -
Pawl connect arm
Pawl connect arm 2817.5
2817.5 1370
1370 - -
Pawl
Pawl 970
970 7850
7850 - -

The size parameters of the outside handle are shown in Table 4.

Table 4. The size parameters of the outside handle.

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 4171 10 of 16

The size parameters of the outside handle are shown in Table 4.

Table 4. The size parameters of the outside handle.

Arm Length/(mm) Arm Length/(mm)

LHI 123.37 LH1 208.50
LH 10 26.50 LCW 10.00
LPull 24.00

The calculation formula can be obtained as follows:

 
LH I 0

 L H1 − L H1 0 

FH I FH1 FCW FPull  = 0 M0 (4)
 0 LCW 
0 L Pull

Obtained: FPull = 22.08 N.

3.3. Force Calculation of Parts of Light Truck Door Latch Outside Opening Kinematic Chain
After the initial pulling force is obtained, each part of the outside opening kinematic
chain of the latch was analyzed separately. The schematic diagrams of the force of the
parts are shown in Figure 10, and the size parameters of the parts are shown in Table 5,
where FPull , F1 , F2 , and F3 are the interaction forces between the lever and the outside
opening toggle arm, the outside opening toggle arm and the opening connect arm, the
opening connect arm and the pawl connect arm, and the pawl connect arm and the pawl
respectively, FTS1 , FTS2 , and FTS3 are the acting forces of the opening connect arm torsion
spring, the lock return torsion spring, and the pawl torsion spring, respectively, and O1 , O2 ,
O3 , and O4 are the rotation centers of each part.

Table 5. Size parameters of outside opening kinematic chain parts.

Distance between Distance between

Length/(mm) Length/(mm)
Two Points Two Points
LO1 A1 15.50 LO1 C1 16.00
LO1 B1 36.00 LO2 A2 16.50
LO2 C2 10.50 LO2 C2 8.00
LO2 B2 12.75 LO3 B3 7.50
LO3 A3 23.50 LO3 C3 14.00
LO4 A4 15.00 LO4 B4 10.00
LO4 C4 9.15

According to the force situation in Figure 10, the moment balance analysis was per-
formed on each part, the force analysis on the pawl connect arm was performed, and the
force and moment balance equations can be listed.

 
lO1 B1 0 0 0 0 0
 
 l
 O1 C1 cos θ1 0 0 0 0 0 

 
 l
 O1 A1 cos θ4 −lO2 A2 cos(90◦ − θ5 ) 0 0 0 0 

 
 0 lO2 C2 cos(θ6 + θ2 ) 0 0 0 0 
 



FPull FC1 F1 FC2 F2 FC3 FTS2 F3 FC4  0 lO2 B2 −1 0 0 0 



 (5)

 0 0 0 1 0 0 

 

 0 0 cos θ7 sin θ7 −lO3 B3 0 

 

 0 0 sin θ8 cos θ8 0 −lO4 A4 sin(θ8 + θ9 ) 

0 0 0 0 0 lO4 C4 sin θ3
 
= 0 M1 0 0 M2 MT
 Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 15 of 23

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 4171 3.3. Force Calculation of Parts of Light Truck Door Latch Outside Opening Kinematic11Chain
of 16
After the initial pulling force is obtained, each part of the outside opening kinematic
chain of the latch was analyzed separately. The schematic diagrams of the force of the
where parts are shown
θ 1 represents theinrotation
Figure angle
10, and
of the size parameters
the outside open toggleof the
armparts are by
affected shown in Table 5,
the inertial
where F Pull , F 1, F 2 , and F 3 are the interaction forces between the lever
force; θ 2 represents the rotation angle of the open connect arm affected by the inertial force; and the outside open-
ing toggle arm, the outside opening toggle arm and the opening connect
θ 3 represents the rotation angle of the pawl connect arm affected by the inertial force. When arm, the opening
θ 1 = θconnect arm and the pawl connect arm, and the pawl connect arm and the pawl respec-
2 = θ 3 , it means that the pawl does not rotate; when θ 1 , θ 2 , and θ 3 are not 0, it means
tively,
that the pawl FTS1has, FTS2 , and Fand
rotated, TS3 are
itsthe acting
specific forces
value of the opening
is related connect arm
to the maximum torsion
torsion spring,
angle
of thethe lock return
torsion spring.torsion In the spring, and of
calculation thethe
pawl torsion to
resistance spring, respectively,
inertia, and O1, O2, O3,
half of the maximum
stroke and O4 are
angle wasthe rotation centers of each part.
taken.

(a) (b)

(c) (d)

Figure 10. The

Figure 10.schematic diagram
The schematic of theofforce
diagram of theofparts
the force of theofoutside
the parts opening
the outside kinematic
opening chainchain
kinematic of of
the latch. (a) Outside opening toggle arm, (b) opening connect arm, (c) pawl connect arm, (d) pawl.pawl.
the latch. (a) Outside opening toggle arm, (b) opening connect arm, (c) pawl connect arm, (d)

The results
Table 5. Size of the calculations
parameters of outsideare shown
opening in Tablechain
kinematic 6. Under
parts. the side impact load of
60 g, the torsion force on the pawl along the opening direction was MT = 826.66 N·mm,
Distancethe
which exceeded between
torsionTwo the pawl torsion Distance
force ofLength/(mm) spring bybetween
139.55 N·Two
mm. In summary,
Length/(mm)
Points
the door lock will disengage under a 60 g side impact load. Points
According to LO 1Aabove
the 1 15.50
ideas, it can LOa1Cminimum
also be calculated that 1 pulling 16.00
force
of Fpull = 6.02 N isLO 1B1
required to unlock the36.00 LO2A
latch in normal opening conditions.
2 16.50
In the above
calculation, Fpull LO 2C2
= 22.08 N was generated 10.50by the outside handle
LO2C2to the latch under8.00 the
side impact loadLO of 260
B2 g, indicating that12.75
the main reason thatLO may
3B3 lead to the unlocking
7.50
of the door latch is that the structural design of the outside handle is unreasonable. If the
structure of the outside handle is optimized, for example, by reducing the mass of the
handle, increasing the mass of the counterweight, or increasing the torque of the outside
handle torsion spring, etc., the F-pull of the outside handle to the latch due to inertia can
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 4171 12 of 16

be reduced to less than 6.02 N so that the door latch system can meet the inertia load
resistance requirements.

Table 6. The theoretical calculation results of the inertia load resistance of the door latch.

Working Condition Force/Torque Calculation Results Force Calculation Results

FPull 22.08 N F1 56.26 N
60 g side impact
F2 52.11 N F3 56.20 N
load
MT 826.66 N·mm
FPull 6.02 N F1 15.10 N
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEWNormal opening
F2 5.98 N F3 10.66 N 17 of 23
condition
MT 139.82 N·mm

4.4.Simulation
SimulationAnalysis
AnalysisofofInertia
InertiaLoad
LoadResistance
Resistanceof ofLight
LightTruck
TruckDoor
DoorLatch
Latch
4.1. Inertia Load Resistance Simulation Model of Light Truck Door Latch
4.1. Inertia Load Resistance Simulation Model of Light Truck Door Latch
The
Thesimulation
simulationplatform
platformconfiguration
configuration for
forthe
theinertia
inertiaload
loadresistance
resistancesimulation
simulationin in
this
this study was: processor—Intel(R) Xeon(R) CPU E3-1231 v3 @ 3.40 GHz, memory size—
study was: processor—Intel(R) Xeon(R) CPU E3-1231 v3 @ 3.40 GHz, memory size—
16.0
16.0GB,
GB,operating
operatingsystem—win10
system—win1064-bit.
64-bit.
In
Inthis
thisstudy,
study,thethemotion
motionsimulation
simulationanalysis
analysisof ofthe
thelatch
latchstructure
structureofofthe
thedoor
doorlatch
latch
under 60 g side impact load was carried out with the finite element simulation
under 60 g side impact load was carried out with the finite element simulation analysis analysis
software.
software.TheTheshell,
shell,fixed
fixedshaft,
shaft,and
andother
otherparts
partsthat
thatdodonot
notmove
movedue
duetotoinertial
inertialforce
forcewere
were
omitted, and the torsion spring was replaced by equivalent torque. The
omitted, and the torsion spring was replaced by equivalent torque. The simplified simplified model
modelis
shown in Figure 11.
is shown in Figure 11.

Figure11.
Figure 11.Simplified
Simplifieddoor
doorlatch
latchsimulation
simulationmodel.
model.

Weset
We setthe
thematerial
materialofofthe
theoutside
outsideopening
openingtoggle
togglearm
armand
andthe
thepawl
pawlconnect
connectarm
armasas
Polyamide66++30%
Polyamide 30%Glass
GlassFiber,
Fiber,
thethe material
material of the
of the pawl
pawl as 35CrMo,
as 35CrMo, andand the material
the material of
of the
opening connect
the opening arm arm
connect and the
andpawl connect
the pawl shaftshaft
connect to betoDC01. The material
be DC01. parameters
The material are
parameters
shown in Table
are shown 7. 7.
in Table

Table7.7.The
Table Thematerial
materialparameters.
parameters.

Material 3) 3Young’s Modulus/(MPa)

Material Density/(kg/m
Density/(kg/m ) Young’s Modulus/(MPa) Poisson’s Ratio
Poisson’s Ratio
PA6PA6 + 30%GF
+ 30%GF 1370 1370 1 × 105 1 × 105 0.350.35
35CrMo 7900 2.13 × 105 0.286
35CrMo 7900 2.13 × 105 0.286
DC01 7850 2.06 × 105 0.320.32
DC01 7850 2.06 × 105

Theimported
The imported3D3D model
model waswas divided
divided intointo meshes,
meshes, the meshing
the meshing method
method was Auto-
was Automatic,
matic,
and the and
meshthe mesh
size wassize was
set to set toA1total
1 mm. mm.ofA15,880
total of 15,880
mesh mesh
nodes andnodes
61,820and
mesh61,820 mesh
elements
were generated,
elements with a mesh
were generated, quality
with of 0.78,
a mesh as shown
quality of 0.78,in
asFigure
shown12.
in Figure 12.
Appl.
Appl.Sci. 2022,12,
Sci.2022, 12,4171
x FOR PEER REVIEW 13
18 of
of1623

Figure 12. Simulation model meshing results.

Figure 12. Simulation model meshing results.

Weset
We setground
groundrotation
rotationconstraints
constraintsfor
forthe
thepawl,
pawl,outside
outsideopening
openingtoggletogglearm,
arm,andand
openingconnect
opening connectarm, arm,respectively,
respectively,and
andset
setrotation
rotationconstraints
constraintsbetween
betweenthe thepawl
pawlconnect
connect
armand
arm andthe theopening
openingconnect
connectarm.arm.The
Theconnection
connectionbetween
betweenthe thepawl
pawlconnect
connectshaftshaftand
and
thepawl
the pawlwas wassetset to
to bind.
bind. The friction
friction made
madeititmore
moredifficult
difficulttotodisengage,
disengage,whichwhichcouldcould be
ignored
be ignored ininthethe
theoretical
theoreticalcalculation
calculationand
andsimulation.
simulation.TheThe
outside
outsideopening
opening toggle armarm
toggle and
and
the the opening
opening connect
connect armarm
andandthethe pawl
pawl connect
connect armarm
andandthethe pawl
pawl connect
connect shaft
shaft were
were re-
respectively providedwith
spectively provided with frictionless
frictionless contact.
contact. WeWe set fixed constraints
constraints on on the
thepawl
pawlstop
stop
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW
and
andadded
addedaapawl pawltorsion
torsionspring,
spring,ananoutside
outsideopening
openingtorsion
torsionspring,
spring,andandaalock 19 of 23
lockreturn
return
torsion spring moment. The side impact load was constant at 588 m/s 2 ,2 and the opening
torsion spring moment. The side impact load was constant at 588 m/s , and the opening
forceFF
force pull was
pull wasconstant
constantat at22.08
22.08N,N,which
whichlasted
lastedfrom
from00msmstoto30
30ms.
ms.The
Theresult
resultisisshown
showninin
Figure
Figure13.13.

Figure13.
Figure 13.Overall
Overallloads
loadsand
andrestraints.
restraints.

4.2.
4.2.Simulation
SimulationAnalysis
AnalysisResults
ResultsofofInertia
InertiaLoad
LoadResistance
ResistanceofofLight
LightTruck
TruckDoor
DoorLatch
Latch
In
Inthis
thisstudy,
study,thetheSolution
Solutionmodule
modulewas wasused
usedtotosolve
solvethe
thesimulation
simulationmodel
modelofofthethedoor
door
latch, and the estimated remaining time required to complete the simulation
latch, and the estimated remaining time required to complete the simulation calculation calculation can
be viewed in the Solution Information. If the side impact load of 30
can be viewed in the Solution Information. If the side impact load of 30 ms was fully ms was fully loaded,
the time required
loaded, to obtainto
the time required the simulation
obtain results was
the simulation expected
results to exceedto3000
was expected h. Since
exceed 3000 ith.
was only necessary to observe whether the pawl would be rotated
Since it was only necessary to observe whether the pawl would be rotated by the pawl by the pawl connect
arm in the
connect armsimulation results on
in the simulation the premise
results that the
on the premise pawl
that the connect arm can
pawl connect armcontact the
can contact
pawl connect
the pawl shaft,
connect the loading
shaft, time
the loading of the
time side
of the impact
side impactload
load was
wasmodified
modified toto2 2ms.
ms.The
The
simulation results after about 80 h of computing are shown in Figures
simulation results after about 80 h of computing are shown in Figures 14 and 15. 14 and 15.
 Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 20 of 23

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 4171 14 of 16

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 21 of 23

Figure14.
Figure 14.The
Theinitial
initialstate
stateofofthe
thedoor
doorlatch
latchsimulation
simulationmovement.
movement.

Figure15.
Figure 15.The
Theend
endstate
stateofofthe
thedoor
doorlatch
latchsimulation
simulationmovement.
movement.

ItItcan
canbebeseen
seenthat
that under
under the
the 60
60 gg side
side impact
impact load,
load,the
theoutside
outsideopening
openingtoggle
togglearm
armat
atthe
thebeginning
beginningdrives
drivesthe
thepawl
pawlconnect
connectarmarm to
to move,
move, but it has
but it has not
not contacted
contactedthe thepawl
pawl
connectshaft.
connect shaft.ItItcontinues
continuesto tomove
moveuntil
untilcontact
contactand
anddrives
drivesthethepawl
pawltotorotate
rotatesosothat
thatthe
the
latchisisunlocked.
latch unlocked. TheThe maximum
maximum deformation
deformation isis 12.7
12.7 mm
mmatatthe thebottom
bottomofofthetheoutside
outside
openingtoggle
opening togglearm.
arm.The
The theoretical
theoretical calculation
calculation results
results show
show thatthat
underunder theg60
the 60 sideg side im-
impact
pact load, the combined torque generated by the external force on the pawl
load, the combined torque generated by the external force on the pawl overcame the torque overcame the
oftorque
the pawlof the pawl spring
torsion torsionsospring so that
that the pawlthe pawlrotate
would wouldand
rotate
the and
latchthe latchdisengage.
would would dis-
engage.
The The simulation
simulation results areresults are in agreement
in agreement with the theoretical
with the theoretical calculation calculation
results. results.

5.5.Structural
StructuralOptimization
Optimizationand andVerification
VerificationofofLight LightTruck
Truck Door
Door Latch
Latch System
System
Comparing
Comparing the disengage condition of the latch under a 60 g side impactload
the disengage condition of the latch under a 60 g side impact loadwith
with
normal opening conditions, it was found that the main reason
normal opening conditions, it was found that the main reason for the disengagement wasfor the disengagement
was
thatthat
the the opening
opening force
force input FpullFby
input by the
pull the handle
handle to the
to the latch
latch waswas tootoo large.
large. Therefore,
Therefore, the
the criterion of structural optimization was to reduce the F by optimizing
criterion of structural optimization was to reduce the Fpull by optimizing the handle struc-
pull the handle
structure,
ture, which which
can becanreduced
be reduced by reducing
by reducing the handle
the handle mass,mass, increasing
increasing the mass
the mass of theofcoun-
the
counterweight block, increasing the torque of the torsion spring of the
terweight block, increasing the torque of the torsion spring of the outer open handle, or outer open handle,
or usinga amixture
using mixtureofofthese
thesethree
threemethods.
methods. Thus,Thus, the
the size
size of
of the
the latch
latch and
and thethedesign
designitself
itself
remained unchanged. In this study, after calculation, the method
remained unchanged. In this study, after calculation, the method of increasing theof increasing the weight
weightof
the counterweight block was adopted to optimize the size parameters
of the counterweight block was adopted to optimize the size parameters of the counter- of the counterweight
block
weight from a 6.5
block mma radius
from 6.5 mmand 13 mm
radius andheight
13 mmtoheight
an 8.5tomman radius
8.5 mmand 14.95
radius mm
and height.
14.95 mm
The counterweight block could be increased from 70 g to 137.62 g, resulting
height. The counterweight block could be increased from 70 g to 137.62 g, resulting in a in a reduction
reduction in the Fpull from 22.08 N to 5.5 N. The Fpull was modified to 5.5 N, and the pawl
connect arm could not contact the pawl connect shaft in 2 ms, so the loading time of the
side impact load was modified to 4 ms. The simulation calculation was performed again.
The simulation results after about 120 h are shown in Figure 16. It can be seen that the
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 4171 15 of 16

in the Fpull from 22.08 N to 5.5 N. The Fpull was modified to 5.5 N, and the pawl connect arm
could not contact the pawl connect shaft in 2 ms, so the loading time of the side impact load
was modified to 4 ms. The simulation calculation was performed again. The simulation
results after about 120 h are shown in Figure 16. It can be seen that the outside opening
toggle arm drove the movement of the pawl connect arm, and the pawl did not rotate after
contacting the pawl connect shaft. The maximum deformation was 8.3 mm at the bottom
of the outside opening toggle arm. This shows that if the outside handle is optimized
according to the theoretical calculation results, the door latch system meets the inertia
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, x FOR PEER REVIEW 22 load
of 23
resistance requirements.

Figure 16. 5.5 N simulation results of motion end state.

Figure 16. 5.5 N simulation results of motion end state.

Thesimulation
The simulation results
results of ofinertia
inertiaload
loadresistance
resistanceareareconsistent
consistentwith
withthethetheoretical
theoretical
calculationresults,
calculation results,which
whichshowsshowsthethereliability
reliabilityof
ofthe
thetheoretical
theoreticalcalculation
calculationresults.
results.Since
Since
the results obtained by the inertia load resistance simulation analysis are basically
the results obtained by the inertia load resistance simulation analysis are basically consistent con-
sistent with the inertia load resistance theoretical calculation results and the
with the inertia load resistance theoretical calculation results and the inertia load resistance inertia load
resistance takes
simulation simulation
a lot oftakes
time,a after
lot ofthe
time,
firstafter theload
inertia firstresistance
inertia load resistance
simulation simulation
analysis and
analysis andthe
verification, verification,
inertia load theresistance
inertia load resistance
simulation simulation
step step caninbe
can be omitted theomitted in the
subsequent
subsequent
structural structural optimization
optimization process. process.

6.6.Conclusions
Conclusions
In
Inthis
this paper,
paper, anan inertia
inertia load resistance analysis
analysis method
methodfor foraalight
lighttruck
truckdoor
doorlatch
latchis
isproposed.
proposed. Firstly,
Firstly, thethe reasons
reasons for for
the the
doordoor
latchlatch disengagement
disengagement werewere analyzed,
analyzed, the
the theo-
theoretical calculation
retical calculation was was carried
carried out, the
out, and andreliability
the reliability
of theof the theoretical
theoretical calculation
calculation results
results was verified
was verified by inertial
by inertial simulation.
simulation. Then,Then, we compared
we compared and and analyzed
analyzed the theoretical
the theoretical cal-
calculation results with the normal opening conditions to find out the
culation results with the normal opening conditions to find out the reasons for the unlock-reasons for the
unlocking
ing of theof the latch,
latch, and provided
and provided a basis
a basis for structural
for the the structural optimization
optimization design,
design, which
which can
can accurately design and optimize a latch structure of a light truck door
accurately design and optimize a latch structure of a light truck door latch that meets latch that meets
the
the requirements
requirements of of
thethe inertia
inertia loadresistance
load resistanceininthe
theearly
earlystage
stageofof design
design and
and development,
development,
which
whichshortens
shortensthe thedevelopment
developmentcyclecycleand
andsaves
savesdevelopment
developmentcosts.costs.

Author
AuthorContributions: Conceptualization,J.H.
Contributions: Conceptualization, J.H.and
andL.X.;
L.X.; methodology,
methodology, L.X.;
L.X.; software,
software, L.X.L.X.
and and
Y.S.;
Y.S.; validation,
validation, L.X.,L.X.,
S.G. S.G.
and and
Y.S.;Y.S.; formal
formal analysis,
analysis, J.H.; J.H.; investigation,
investigation, J.H.; J.H.; resources,
resources, G.L.; G.L.;
data data
cura-
curation,
tion, L.X.;L.X.; writing—original
writing—original draftdraft preparation,
preparation, L.X.;L.X.; writing—review
writing—review andand editing,
editing, J.H.J.H.
andand
G.L.;G.L.;
vis-
visualization, L.X.; project administration, J.H. All authors have read and agreed to the
ualization, L.X.; project administration, J.H. All authors have read and agreed to the published ver- published
version
sion of of
thethe manuscript.
manuscript.
Funding:This
Funding: Thisresearch
researchreceived
receivedno
noexternal
externalfunding.
funding.
Institutional
InstitutionalReview
ReviewBoard Statement:Not
BoardStatement: Notapplicable.
applicable.
Informed Consent Statement: Not applicable.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

References
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12, 4171 16 of 16

Informed Consent Statement: Not applicable.

Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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