Dual Cable Actuation Mechanism for Vehicular Closure Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power-actuated mechanisms for motor vehicle closure panels require significant space and are complex due to separate actuators and control mechanisms, leading to packaging limitations and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A dual cable actuation mechanism using a single motor with a common gear system, where a first drive pulley and a second drive pulley operate independently to coordinate the movement of a pawl and a cinch lever via separate cables, reducing the need for multiple actuators and control mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate actuators are used for each cable, then reliable actuation is achieved, but space requirements increase and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuator functions into a single integrated power actuator unit. This single actuator uses a common gear system with multiple drive pulleys (first drive pulley, second drive pulley) that can independently actuate different cables (first cable to pawl, second cable to cinch lever) while sharing common components like the motor and gear housing, thereby reducing space requirements while maintaining reliable actuation of multiple closure panel features
Solution Approach 2:
The single power actuator is designed as a multi-functional device that can actuate multiple different cables and closure panel features through its common gear system with multiple drive pulleys. The actuator unit serves universal purposes by controlling both the pawl and cinch lever mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate dedicated actuators for each function
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate actuators are used for each cable, then independent control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple actuator control functions into a single integrated control system within the power actuator. The common gear system with multiple drive pulleys allows independent control of different cables while sharing mechanical components, reducing the overall complexity compared to having separate actuators with separate control mechanisms for each
3Reliability
If multiple separate actuators are used, then coordinated movement can be achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuator functions into a single manufactured unit with a common gear system. This integration reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and controlled, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to achieve coordinated movement of multiple closure panel features through the shared mechanical system
Data Source
AI summary
A power actuator for actuating separate mechanically driven members includes a motor and a drive gear configured to be selectively driven in opposite directions. A common gear is configured in operable communication with the drive gear to be selectively driven from a home position in opposite directions in response to movement of the drive gear. A first drive member is attached to the common gear with a first cable extending between the first drive member and one of the mechanically driven members. A second drive member is attached to the common gear with a second cable extending between the second drive member and the other of the mechanically driven members. Movement of the common gear from the home position in one direction moves of one mechanically driven member and movement of the common gear from the home position in an opposite direction moves the other mechanically driven member.