Hood Latch Release with Electric-Mechanical Backup Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hood latch assemblies in vehicles with alternate propulsion systems, such as electric vehicles, may fail to fully release when the power supply is depleted, and existing systems do not adequately prevent the hood from opening fully during travel above a certain speed.
Innovation Solution
A hood latch release system incorporating a mechanical actuator and a selector assembly with a coupling member that transitions between coupling and decoupling positions, allowing manual release of latches when power is unavailable, and ensuring the hood remains closed at high speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an electrically powered actuator is used to release the hood latch, then the release operation can be automated and controlled, but the system fails when power is depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between electric and mechanical actuation modes based on power availability. The actuator can transition from powered electric operation to unpowered mechanical operation, allowing the hood release function to adapt to changing power conditions and maintain reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A mechanical linkage serves as an intermediary between the release member and the latch assembly. This mechanical intermediary ensures that when electric power is unavailable, the mechanical actuator can still transmit the release force through the linkage to disengage the latch, guaranteeing backup functionality.
2Reliability
If a mechanical actuator is used as backup when power is depleted, then the system can still release the hood, but the release mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The electric and mechanical actuators are merged into a single integrated release mechanism. Both actuators share common components such as the release member, linkage, and latch assembly, allowing them to work together seamlessly while reducing overall system complexity compared to separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The release mechanism is designed with multi-functionality, where the same mechanical linkage and release member serve both the electric actuator and the mechanical actuator. This universal design allows a single component to perform multiple functions, reducing the need for additional dedicated parts.
3Reliability
If the hood latch assembly uses multiple latches (primary and secondary), then the security and reliability of hood retention is improved, but the complexity of the release mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is segmented into a primary latch and a secondary latch, each serving a specific function in the latching sequence. The release mechanism correspondsingly segments the release operation into two stages: first releasing the primary latch, then releasing the secondary latch, which simplifies the control logic while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The primary latch is designed to release first as a preliminary action before the secondary latch releases. This staged approach ensures that the hood can be partially opened for inspection or ventilation while maintaining secure retention, and only fully opens when both latches are released, enhancing overall security without requiring complex simultaneous release mechanisms.
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
Ensures full hood release even without a power supply and prevents the hood from opening fully during travel, providing safety and functionality in electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling actuator is spring-biased to a position that holds the coupling member in the coupling position such that coupling member is moved to the coupling position when the coupling actuator is not powered
Data Source
AI summary
A hood latch release system includes, among other things, a release handle within a compartment covered by a hood, a hood latch assembly, and a release assembly having an electrically powered actuator and a mechanical actuator. The electrically powered actuator and the mechanical actuator are each configured to move one or more latches of the hood latch assembly from the latched position to the unlatched position. The system further includes a selector assembly. When a coupling member of the selector assembly is in a decoupling position, actuating the release handle causes the electrically powered actuator to unlatch the primary latch, the secondary latch, or both. When the coupling member of the selector assembly is in a coupling position, actuating the release handle causes the mechanical actuator to unlatch the primary latch, the secondary latch, or both.