Vehicle Closure Latch With Bidirectional Motor Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power-actuated mechanisms in motor vehicle closure panels require separate actuators and control mechanisms, occupying valuable space and increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A latch assembly with a ratchet assembly and a power release mechanism using a motor and power release gear to coordinate the movement of a pawl between primary and secondary striker capture positions, eliminating the need for separate actuators and control mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate actuators are used for each cable in power-actuated mechanisms, then reliable actuation is achieved, but packaging space increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate actuators into a single integrated actuator that uses a bidirectional motor to control a shared cable. This single actuator replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate actuators, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the reliability of power actuation through centralized control
2Reliability
If separate actuators are used for each cable in power-actuated mechanisms, then reliable actuation is achieved, but packaging space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple actuator functions into a single compact unit located at one location on the closure panel. This integration dramatically reduces the total volume required for actuator packaging compared to having multiple separate actuators distributed across the mechanism
3Reliability
If coordinated movement of multiple cables is required, then proper functioning of power-actuated mechanisms is ensured, but control mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bidirectional motor automatically coordinates cable movement through its inherent ability to rotate in both directions. The control system simply needs to command forward or reverse rotation, and the motor's mechanical design naturally ensures proper coordination of the cables without requiring complex control mechanisms or additional coordination electronics
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
Reduces packaging requirements, complexity, and cost while enabling coordinated actuation of closure panels, allowing for faster and more reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a power release mechanism having a motor and a power release gear. The motor is operable to rotate the power release gear in a first direction... and to rotate the power release gear in a second direction, opposite the first direction
Implementation Method 2
The motor is operable to rotate the power release gear in a first direction to move the pawl in a first actuation to allow the ratchet assembly to move from the primary striker capture position to the secondary striker capture position
Data Source
AI summary
A latch assembly for a motor vehicle including a ratchet assembly for retaining and releasing a striker, a pawl assembly for holding the ratchet assembly in one of a primary latched position and a secondary latched position, and for allowing the ratchet assembly to move to a fully unlatched position to release the striker, and a power release mechanism having a motor and a power release gear, where the motor is operable to rotate the power release gear in a first direction to move the pawl to allow the ratchet assembly to move from the primary latched position to the secondary latched position, and to rotate the power release gear in a second opposite direction to move the pawl to allow the ratchet assembly to move from the secondary latched position to the fully unlatched position.