Vehicle Closure Latch Emergency Child Lock Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure latch assemblies for motor vehicles with child lock mechanisms face challenges in releasing the latch mechanism during power failures or interruptions, particularly in emergency situations such as crashes, where the child lock mechanism cannot be accessed or released without electrical power.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular closure system with an emergency child lock release mechanism, featuring a manually-controlled release actuator located along the B-pillar of the vehicle, accessible when the front door is opened, which allows manual shifting of the child lock mechanism from a child-locked state to a child-unlocked state, enabling the rear door to be opened even without power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a power-operated closure latch assembly with child lock mechanism is used, then operational convenience and security are improved, but the ability to release the latch during power failure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency release mechanism is pre-positioned and mechanically connected to the latch mechanism before any emergency occurs. The manual release actuator is designed to directly engage with the latch components, allowing immediate manual intervention without requiring power or complex activation sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual release actuator serves as an intermediary device between the user and the latch mechanism during power failure. It mechanically transmits user input force to disengage the child lock and release the latch, bridging the gap when electrical systems fail.
2Reliability
If a child lock mechanism is added to prevent unauthorized opening, then safety is improved, but accessibility during emergencies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The release system is segmented into two independent pathways: the normal electrical child lock mechanism for routine operation, and the separate manual emergency release mechanism for crisis situations. This segmentation allows each system to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring power to override the child lock, the system inverts the approach by providing a mechanical override that works without power. The emergency release mechanism reverses the normal power-dependent operation by using pure mechanical force to disengage the lock.
3Adaptability or versatility
If power-operated features are integrated into the closure latch, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency release mechanism is designed to be self-contained and self-explanatory, requiring no external power source, control electronics, or complex activation sequences. Users can directly manipulate the actuator to release the latch, making the system self-sufficient during power failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual emergency release mechanism is integrated into the existing closure latch assembly structure, sharing common mounting points and structural elements. This merging allows the emergency function to be added without requiring a completely separate system, thereby limiting the increase in overall complexity.
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
Enables the rear door of a motor vehicle to be manually opened in all instances, including during power losses, by providing a reliable emergency release mechanism that bypasses the need for electrical power, ensuring safety and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
a lock member pivotable between an unlock position whereat the lock link operatively connects the inside release lever to the pawl and a lock position whereat the inside release lever operatively disconnects from the pawl
Implementation Method 2
a power-operated cam arrangement having a lock cam rotatable between an unlocking position whereat the lock cam permits the lock member to move to the unlock position and a locking position whereat the lock cam moves the lock member to the lock position
Implementation Method 3
The ratchet is movable between a striker release position and a striker capture position. The pawl is movable between a ratchet holding position whereat the pawl holds the ratchet in the striker capture position
Implementation Method 4
the lock member being biased toward the unlock position
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to integration of a manually-controlled lock release mechanism into a vehicle closure system to permit manual actuation of the lock mechanism within a closure latch assembly in the event of a power loss situation. The lock mechanism that can be manually shifted from a child-locked state to a child-unlocked state via actuation of a manually-operable lock release actuator located along the B-pillar of the vehicle.