Electric Latch with Nested Motor and Cam Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for new rotary pawl or cam latch assemblies that include the option of electrical operation, with a design that is simpler, more compact, and cost-effective.
Innovation Solution
A latch assembly that includes a pawl mounted to rotate between closed and open positions, a trigger that rotates between locked and unlocked positions, an input cam connected to the trigger, an output cam that contacts the input cam, and a motor coupled to rotate the output cam, allowing for electrical operation and non-parallel axis rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotary pawl or cam latch assembly is designed to be electrically operated, then remote or push-button entry capability is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the motor assembly, cam mechanism, and pawl into a single integrated latch body. The motor is positioned within the latch body and directly coupled to the cam, eliminating the need for separate actuation mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining electrical operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism serves multiple functions: it converts rotational motor motion into linear pawl displacement, provides the locking action through the pawl and striker engagement, and enables both electrically-operated and manually-operated modes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components
2Volume of moving object
If the latch assembly is made more compact, then space requirements are reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motor assembly is nested within the latch body housing, with the motor shaft extending through the housing to drive the cam. The cam is positioned within the latch body and interacts with the pawl in a compact arrangement. This nesting approach minimizes the overall volume while maintaining functional clearances through precise but achievable tolerances
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism utilizes rotational motion in one dimension to achieve linear displacement of the pawl in another dimension. This dimensional transformation allows for a compact design where the motor can be positioned radially while the pawl moves axially, reducing the overall footprint without requiring excessive precision in any single dimension
3Ease of manufacture
If the latch assembly is simplified for cost-effectiveness, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded pawl automatically returns to the locked position after being displaced by the cam, eliminating the need for additional return springs or complex reset mechanisms. The cam profile itself guides the pawl through the complete locking and unlocking sequence, reducing the need for separate control components while maintaining reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the motor from traditional latch mechanisms and integrates it directly into the latch body, eliminating the need for separate actuation linkages, gears, or belts. This extraction and integration approach reduces the number of moving parts and potential failure points while maintaining the essential locking function through the simplified cam-pawl mechanism
4Adaptability or versatility
If non-parallel axis rotation is implemented, then operational flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam is designed with a curved profile that converts the motor's rotational motion into the desired linear displacement of the pawl. The cam's curved surface provides a continuous guide for the pawl, enabling smooth motion transitions and flexible axis arrangements without requiring complex mechanical linkages or multiple moving parts
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 provides a compact, cost-effective, and electrically operable latch assembly that efficiently captures and releases a striker, offering improved design simplicity and operational flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
the trigger being biased to rotate toward the locked position
Data Source
AI summary
A latch for capturing a striker. The latch includes a pawl mounted to rotate between a closed position and an open position, the pawl being biased to rotate toward the open position and configured to capture the striker when in the closed position. A trigger is mounted to rotate about a first axis between a locked position and an unlocked position, the trigger being biased to rotate toward the locked position and selectively positionable to contact the pawl when the pawl is in the closed position, thereby retaining the pawl in the closed position. An input cam is connected to the trigger. An output cam is positioned to contact the input cam, the output cam being mounted to rotate about a second axis and configured to rotate the input cam about the first axis. A motor is coupled for rotating the output cam about the second axis.