Cable Release Lockout Mechanism for Unintended Latch Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle latch release systems lack a reliable mechanism to selectively prevent actuation of the latch mechanism, particularly in scenarios where unintended release is undesirable, such as during vehicle motion.
Innovation Solution
A cable release system incorporating a lockout mechanism with a housing, shiftable mounting block, pivotable stop lever, bias spring, and electric actuator, which selectively impedes the shifting of the cable arrangement to prevent actuation of the latch mechanism, ensuring secure compartment closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cable release system is designed to be easily actuated, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of preventing unintended actuation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A lockout lever is introduced as an intermediary component between the cable arrangement and the latch mechanism. This lever can be positioned in either a first position allowing cable movement or a second position preventing cable movement, thus mediating between the actuation force and the latch mechanism to prevent unintended actuation while maintaining ease of intentional operation
Solution Approach 2:
The lockout lever is designed to be dynamically positionable between two states: a first position where it allows the cable arrangement to shift and actuate the latch, and a second position where it prevents cable shifting. This dynamic positioning capability enables the system to adapt its state based on operational requirements, allowing easy actuation when needed while preventing unintended actuation at other times
2Reliability
If a lockout mechanism is added to prevent unintended actuation, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lockout lever is merged with the existing cable release system components, integrating the lockout function into the housing structure rather than adding a completely separate mechanism. The lever utilizes the existing cable arrangement and mounting block, combining multiple functions into a unified structure that prevents unintended actuation without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The lockout lever is designed to be manually operable by the user, allowing them to independently switch between the locked and unlocked positions without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems. This self-service approach maintains reliability while minimizing added complexity by eliminating the need for automated lockout control mechanisms
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 system effectively prevents unintended actuation of the latch mechanism, maintaining compartment closure even when an actuation force is applied, thereby enhancing safety and security during vehicle operation.
Implementation Method 1
a bias spring configured to urge the stop lever to pivot into contact with the mounting block
Implementation Method 2
an electric actuator configured to actuate the cam lever and thereby permit the stop lever to pivot into contact with the mounting block
Data Source
AI summary
A cable release system configured to actuate a latch mechanism includes a cable arrangement configured to shift in response to an actuation force. The shifting of the cable arrangement is thereby configured to actuate the latch mechanism. The cable release system also includes a lockout mechanism configured to selectively impede shifting of the cable arrangement in response to the actuation force. Such selective impeding of the shifting of the cable arrangement is thereby configured to prevent actuation of the latch mechanism. A vehicle may employ the cable release system configured to actuate a latch mechanism to thereby unlatch a panel from the vehicle body.