Integrated Vehicle Door Release and Presenter Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door latch mechanisms require manual operation and lack efficient power actuation, which can be inconvenient and inefficient, especially for accessing cargo areas.
Innovation Solution
An integrated system that includes a latch, cable, door presenter, and electric motor to automatically release and open vehicle access doors, powered by an energy storage device and controlled by an electronic controller, eliminating the need for traditional door handles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional manual door latch mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to inconvenience especially for cargo areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional manual mechanical door latch mechanism with a power actuated system using an electric motor to automatically operate the latch and door presenter, eliminating the need for manual handle operation and improving ease of operation particularly for cargo access
Solution Approach 2:
The power actuated latch mechanism serves multiple functions: it can operate both side doors and cargo doors through a single system architecture, and can respond to various activation methods including remote keyless entry, improving overall system versatility while maintaining manageable complexity
2Ease of operation
If power actuation is added to improve ease of operation, then the use of energy increases due to electric motor operation
Solution Approach 1:
The power actuated latch system operates periodically only when door opening is required rather than continuously, using the electric motor to actuate the latch and door presenter on demand, thereby minimizing energy consumption while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system integrates with the vehicle's existing power train and electrical systems, allowing the door latch mechanism to utilize available electrical power from the vehicle battery and alternator, reducing the need for dedicated energy sources
3Device complexity
If a single motor is used to reduce device complexity, then the productivity decreases due to sequential actuation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the door opening operation into distinct sequential phases: first actuating the latch to release the door, then actuating the door presenter to position the door for opening. This allows a single motor to efficiently perform multiple functions through timed sequential operation, maintaining simplicity while achieving effective door opening
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
Facilitates convenient and efficient access to vehicle interiors and cargo areas by automating the door opening process, reducing the need for manual operation and enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor configured to power the mechanism such that the access door is shifted away from the vehicle body by the door presenter after the access door is released
Implementation Method 2
an elastic element configured to preload the first lever against the second lever and permit independent motion of the first lever relative to the second lever after the release of the latch
Data Source
AI summary
A system is used to control access into a vehicle having a vehicle body defining a vehicle interior, a vehicle exterior, and an access opening. The vehicle also has an access door for selectively covering and uncovering at least a portion of the access opening. The system includes a latch configured to selectively fasten the door to the vehicle body and release the door therefrom. The system also includes a cable configured to operate the latch and thereby release the door from the vehicle body. The system additionally includes a door presenter configured to shift the door away from the vehicle body. The system also includes a mechanism configured to sequentially actuate the cable and the door presenter. The system further includes an electric motor configured to power the mechanism such that the door is shifted away from the vehicle body by the door presenter after the door is released.