Dual Vehicle Closures Using One Drive Unit and Latch Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle closure systems require multiple drive units to operate multiple closures, increasing complexity and cost.

Innovation Solution

A single drive unit, such as a power strut, is used to control the movement of multiple closures like a liftgate and a glass substrate, with latches coupling them together, allowing simultaneous or independent operation based on latch position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple drive units are used to operate multiple closures, then each closure can be operated independently and reliably, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure operation reliabilityVSAvoiddrive unit quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single drive unit is designed to perform multiple functions by operating different closures based on latch position. The drive unit can move the glass substrate independently when the latch is unlatched, or move both the glass substrate and liftgate together when the latch is latched, eliminating the need for separate drive units for each closure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The latch mechanism serves as an intermediary that couples or decouples the glass substrate from the liftgate. By controlling the latch position, the system enables a single drive unit to selectively operate one or both closures, resolving the contradiction between using multiple drive units and using a single drive unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If a single drive unit operates multiple closures, then device complexity and manufacturing cost are reduced, but control flexibility and independent operation capability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrive unit quantityVSAvoidclosure operation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically changes its operational configuration based on latch position. When the latch is unlatched, the drive unit operates only the glass substrate. When the latch is latched, the drive unit operates both the glass substrate and liftgate together. This dynamic adaptation maintains control flexibility while using a single drive unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The single drive unit is designed with universal capability to operate different closure configurations. Through the latch mechanism, it can independently move the glass substrate or simultaneously move both closures, providing versatile control options without requiring multiple specialized drive units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12522055B2Operating dual closures utilizing a common system

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 RIVIAN HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

A system for actuating closures of a vehicle includes drive units and latches. The drive units may couple to one of the closures and may be used to control movement of the closure relative to another closure. Using the latches, the closures may be coupled together and the same drive units can be used to control movement of both closures together. The controlled movement of the closures may be automated by using a controller and one or more motors.