Dual Latch Assembly for Independent Pillar-Less Door Release

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dual door pillar-less door systems face challenges in implementing power release functionality and ensuring security due to the absence of an intermediate structural pillar, leading to difficulties in independent operation and security issues.

Innovation Solution

A dual function latch assembly with integrated primary and secondary latch mechanisms and actuation groups, controlled by a controller unit that determines which actuation group to actuate, allowing independent operation of each door and enhancing security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single latch assembly is used for both front and rear doors in a pillar-less door system, then device complexity is reduced, but independence of door operation is lost and security is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatch assembly structureVSAvoidindependent door operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The latch assembly is segmented into two independent latch mechanisms (first latch mechanism for front door, second latch mechanism for rear door) within a single housing. Each latch mechanism can be actuated independently through separate actuation groups, allowing independent door operation while maintaining a unified structural form factor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If a single latch assembly is used for both front and rear doors, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but security control is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatch assembly productionVSAvoidsecurity control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The latch assembly is segmented into two independent latch mechanisms (first latch mechanism for front door, second latch mechanism for rear door) within a single housing. Each latch mechanism can be actuated independently through separate actuation groups, allowing independent door operation while maintaining a unified structural form factor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The controller unit changes the operational parameters of the latch assembly by selectively actuating different actuation groups (first actuation group for front door, second actuation group for rear door) based on detected objects or gestures, enabling dynamic security control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If power release functionality is implemented in a pillar-less door system with shared latch assembly, then convenience is improved, but control precision is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower release convenienceVSAvoidactuation control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The controller unit changes the operational parameters of the latch assembly by selectively actuating different actuation groups (first actuation group for front door, second actuation group for rear door) based on detected objects or gestures, enabling dynamic security control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250116137A1Dual function latch assembly for dual door pillar-less door system and control system for controlling the latch assembly

Publication Date: 2025.04.10 MAGNA CLOSURES INC

AI summary

A latch assembly for a closure system having first and second closure members each movable between open and closed positions and method of operation are provided. The assembly includes a primary latch mechanism that has a primary actuation group to control actuation of the first closure member. The latch assembly also includes a secondary latch mechanism that has a secondary actuation group operable to control actuation of the second closure member. A controller unit is coupled to the primary and secondary actuation groups and determines which of the primary actuation group and the secondary actuation group to actuate and controls actuation of at least one of the primary actuation group and the secondary actuation group accordingly. The primary and secondary latch mechanisms, primary and secondary actuation groups, and controller unit are all integrated into the housing.