Double Pull Closure Latch for Front Trunk Emergency Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current latch assemblies for vehicle hoods require inconvenient multiple-stage release mechanisms, can unintentionally open while the vehicle is moving, and do not allow release from within the trunk compartment, posing safety risks, especially if someone is trapped.
Innovation Solution
A latch assembly that can be opened from within the passenger compartment or trunk, featuring a ratchet mechanism with primary and secondary pawls and a coupling lever, which allows partial opening while preventing full opening during vehicle movement or engine operation, and includes an auxiliary release lever for emergency access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a double-pull release latch is used for the front trunk, then the latch can be released from inside the passenger compartment, but the latch may be unintentionally released while the vehicle is moving
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is divided into two independent pawls: a first pawl that controls transition from the first closed position to the second closed position, and a second pawl that controls transition from the second closed position to the open position. This segmentation allows the latch to be partially released (to the second closed position) without being fully released, preventing unintended complete opening while still allowing accessible release from the passenger compartment.
2Ease of operation
If a double-pull release latch is used for the front trunk, then the latch can be released from inside the passenger compartment, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
A single release cable serves dual purposes: it can be actuated from inside the passenger compartment to partially release the latch (move from first closed position to second closed position), and when fully actuated, it can completely release the latch (move from second closed position to open position). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate release mechanisms while maintaining operational accessibility.
3Reliability
If the latch is designed to prevent full opening while the vehicle is moving, then safety is improved, but the ability to release the latch from within the trunk compartment is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly incorporates a speed sensing mechanism that dynamically adjusts its behavior based on vehicle speed. When the vehicle is stationary or moving slowly, the latch can be fully released from the open position. When the vehicle exceeds a predetermined speed threshold, the latch is restricted to only allowing partial release (to the second closed position) but not complete opening. This dynamic adaptation ensures safety during movement while maintaining emergency release capability from the trunk compartment.
Data Source
AI summary
A latch assembly having an emergency auxiliary release member located in a stowage compartment of a motor vehicle, such as a front trunk, is provided. The latch assembly has a coupling lever that is actuatable to move to a disengaged position if a predetermined condition is met, such as and engine on/off condition or a vehicle speed condition, for example, whereupon the latch assembly is prevented from being fully release, but only allows the latch assembly to move to a partially released state. Upon the predetermined condition be absent, the coupling lever is returned to a position such that the latch assembly can then be fully released from either a passenger compartment of the vehicle or the trunk.