Dual-Stage Cinch Latch Assembly for Decklid Power Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power-operated closure latch assemblies for decklids in motor vehicles lack a safe and efficient power cinch functionality, posing hazards due to traditional power cinch operations that can pinch fingers under the weight of the decklid.
Innovation Solution
A dual-stage power-operated closure latch assembly is designed for decklids, featuring a first non-driven cinching stage where the decklid moves into a cinched position due to its own weight and a second driven cinching stage where the latch cinch mechanism mechanically closes the decklid, utilizing a power actuator to control a drive cam for coordinated actuation of the latch release, safety latch release, and cinch mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional power cinch operation is used to close the decklid, then the closure speed and efficiency are improved, but the safety deteriorates due to finger pinching hazards under the weight of the decklid
Solution Approach 1:
The power cinch operation is segmented into two distinct stages: a first non-driven stage where the decklid moves into a cinched position due to its own weight, and a second driven stage where the latch cinch mechanism mechanically closes the decklid. This segmentation separates the hazardous full-power closure into a safe initial phase followed by a controlled mechanical assistance phase, eliminating finger pinching risks while maintaining closure efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs a preliminary action by allowing the decklid to move into a cinched position under its own weight before applying mechanical force from the latch cinch mechanism. This preliminary non-driven stage prepares the system for the subsequent driven stage, ensuring that the most hazardous phase of closure occurs without powered mechanical assistance that could pinch fingers.
2Device complexity
If a single power actuator is used for both power release and power cinch features, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to the independent nature of these features requiring separate actuators
Solution Approach 1:
A single power actuator is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate the latch release mechanism for power release and the latch cinch mechanism for power cinch. The actuator's control system intelligently directs power to the appropriate mechanism based on the operational mode required, providing multi-functionality without sacrificing the reliability and independence of each feature through proper control logic.
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 dual-stage cinching operation ensures safe and efficient closure of the decklid, preventing finger pinching during the initial cinching stage and ensuring reliable full closure in the second stage, enhancing user safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded lift mechanism operable in a spring-loaded state when the latch mechanism is in its primary latched state and operable in a spring-released state when the latch mechanism is shifted from its primary latched state into its secondary latched state, the lift mechanism causing the closure member to move from its fully-closed position to its partially-open position when shifted into its spring-released state
Implementation Method 2
a first non-driven cinching stage during which the closure member moves under its own weight from its partially-open position into a cinched position
Data Source
AI summary
A closure latch assembly for a decklid configured to provide a power release operation and a power cinch operation. The power cinch operation is a dual-stage cinch operation having a first non-driven cinching stage and a second driven cinching stage. The first cinching stage utilizes the weight of the decklid to drive the decklid from a pop-up position to a cinched position. The second cinching stage utilizes a cinch mechanism to drive the decklid from its cinched position into a fully-closed position.