Dual Cam Latching Mechanism Reduces Motor Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle door closure and latching mechanisms require a common lever for both release and latching functions, which complicates the mechanism and results in larger, heavier, and more costly electric motors.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism with a dedicated cam for release and a dedicated cam for latching, both carried by a rotatable input shaft, providing a mechanical advantage through a clinch cam and release cam system, allowing the electric motor to be smaller, cheaper, and lighter by utilizing a clutch and ratchet mechanism for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a common lever is used for both release and latching functions, then the mechanism can perform both functions, but the mechanism becomes more complex and requires larger, heavier, and more costly electric motors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the common lever into two separate dedicated components: a release cam for the release function and a clinch cam for the latching function. Both cams are mounted on the same input shaft but operate independently through their respective cam followers, thereby segmenting the dual-function lever into specialized components that reduce overall mechanism complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cam followers as intermediary elements that transfer motion from the input shaft to the respective cams. The release cam follower and clinch cam follower act as mediators between the motor-driven input shaft and the release/clinch functions, enabling precise control and reducing the complexity of direct mechanical linkages.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a common lever is used for both release and latching functions, then the mechanism can perform both functions, but larger and heavier electric motors are required
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the common lever into separate release cam and clinch cam components, each optimized for its specific function, the patent enables the use of a smaller, lighter electric motor. The dedicated cams provide mechanical advantage specifically tailored to each function, reducing the overall power requirements compared to a single lever system that must accommodate both functions with equal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes cam profiles with varying radii and angles to change mechanical parameters dynamically during operation. The release cam and clinch cam are designed with specific geometric parameters that provide mechanical advantage at different stages of the latching and releasing cycles, thereby reducing the peak torque requirements and enabling a smaller motor to drive the system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a common lever is used for both release and latching functions, then the mechanism can perform both functions, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the common lever into separate release cam and clinch cam components, each of which can be manufactured using optimized processes for its specific function. This segmentation allows for simpler, more cost-effective manufacturing of individual cam profiles compared to the complex multi-functional lever, thereby reducing overall production costs while maintaining dual functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
While dividing the lever into separate cams, the patent maintains universality by mounting both the release cam and clinch cam on the same input shaft, which is driven by a single electric motor. This unified drive mechanism reduces the number of motors and control systems required, offsetting the cost of additional cam components and maintaining cost-effectiveness.
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
The solution enables efficient latching and unlatching with reduced motor size and weight, providing a mechanical advantage of up to 20, allowing for lower power consumption and anti-trapping protection without electronic control, while maintaining smooth and silent operation.
Implementation Method 1
a claw for engaging a striker fixed to a closure, the claw being rotatable between an unlatched position and a latched position and biased by a spring towards the unlatched position
Implementation Method 2
a rotatable input shaft carrying a first clinch cam which is operatively coupled to the claw, whereby rotation of the input shaft in one direction results in rotation of the claw into the latched position
Data Source
AI summary
A closing and latching mechanism for a closure in which further rotation of an input shaft in a latching direction results in engagement of a release cam with a release cam follower and movement of a release slider which moves a pawl into a position in which a claw is free to move from a latched position to an unlatched position and the claw then moves towards the unlatched position under the action of a biasing spring.