Dual Closure Actuation Lever for Low-Friction Vehicle Latches

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing activation devices for spatially separated motor vehicle closure units, such as tailgate and fuel filler door latches, face issues with complex constructions that lead to functional impairments due to increased friction, rust, and encrustations, especially in adverse environmental conditions.

Innovation Solution

A linear actuator-driven activation device that converts its linear movement into a pivoting movement using a pivotable activation lever, which interacts with either the tailgate or fuel filler door latch, allowing for a compact, cost-effective, and functional design by integrating the activation lever within the motor vehicle closure unit or housing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If Bowden cables are directly connected to the linear actuator with complicated housing formation, then the activation device can operate multiple closure units, but functional impairments occur due to increased friction, rust, and encrustations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to operate multiple closure unitsVSAvoidfunctional reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the activation lever from the external environment by integrating it into the closure unit housing. The activation lever is now protected inside the housing rather than being exposed externally, which prevents rust and encrustations while maintaining the ability to actuate multiple closure units through the linear actuator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a pivotable activation lever as an intermediary between the linear actuator and the closure units. This lever converts linear movement into pivoting movement, providing a mechanical advantage that reduces friction and improves reliability while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Force

If a crank drive or toothed rack is equipped on the actuator, then the activation device can provide mechanical advantage, but the construction becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical advantageVSAvoidconstruction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical systems like crank drives or toothed racks with a simpler pivotable activation lever mechanism. The lever provides mechanical advantage through its pivoting action and geometric configuration, achieving the same force multiplication effect with fewer moving parts and less complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the activation lever is provided externally, then it can interact with closure units, but it is exposed to environmental influences causing functional impairments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinteraction capabilityVSAvoidenvironmental exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent nests the activation lever within the closure unit housing, protecting it from environmental influences like rust and encrustations. The lever remains functionally connected to the closure units through the housing structure, maintaining ease of operation while eliminating harmful environmental exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

This design enhances functional reliability and cost-effectiveness while reducing weight and environmental exposure risks, achieving a lightweight and efficient mechanism for simultaneously operating multiple motor vehicle closure units.

Implementation Method 1

the linear actuator as a component of the linear drive (4, 5) according to its actuating movement impinges at least a pivotable activation lever (6, 7) for interaction with either one motor vehicle closure unit or the other second motor vehicle closure unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical movement conversion (linear to pivoting): Lever

Data Source

PatentUS11371269B2Activation device for at least two spatially separated motor vehicle closure units

Publication Date: 2022.06.28 KIEKERT AG

AI summary

An activation device for at least two spatially separated motor vehicle closure units, for example for a tailgate latch on the one hand and a fuel filler door latch on the other hand. The activation device possesses a linear drive with a linear actuator. Dependent on its activation direction, the linear drive impinges either the first motor vehicle closure unit or the other second motor vehicle closure unit. According to the invention, dependent on its actuating direction, the linear actuator impinges at least a pivotable activation lever to interact with either the first motor vehicle closure unit or the other second motor vehicle closure unit.