Front Hood Latch Release System with Speed-Dependent Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles with alternate propulsion systems require a secure and accessible front storage compartment that can be opened from the exterior without risking accidental opening while the vehicle is in motion.
Innovation Solution
A latch release system featuring a primary and secondary latch for the front hood, with an emergency handle and actuator that only releases the secondary latch when the vehicle is stationary, ensuring the front hood can be fully opened only when both latches are released, and a controller that prevents opening above a predefined speed threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single latch system is used for the front hood, then the device complexity is reduced, but the safety and reliability of preventing accidental opening during vehicle motion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latch system is divided into two independent latches: a primary latch that releases the hood to a partial open position, and a secondary latch that must also be released for complete opening. This segmentation ensures that even if one latch fails or is accidentally triggered, the other remains engaged to prevent hazardous full opening during vehicle motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system requires preliminary action in the form of a two-step release sequence. The primary latch must be released first, followed by intentional release of the secondary latch. This preliminary action sequence prevents accidental opening by requiring deliberate, sequential operations rather than a single trigger event.
2Ease of operation
If the emergency handle is always accessible to release both latches, then the ease of operation for trapped occupants is improved, but the safety risk of accidental opening during vehicle motion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the functionality of the emergency handle based on vehicle motion status. When the vehicle is stationary, the emergency handle can release both primary and secondary latches. When the vehicle is in motion, the system prevents full release while still allowing primary latch release, enabling occupants to partially open the hood for ventilation without risking accidental full opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback from vehicle motion sensors to dynamically control latch release behavior. The controller monitors vehicle motion status and uses this feedback to determine whether emergency handle actuation should release both latches or only the primary latch, thereby preventing accidental opening during motion while maintaining accessibility for trapped occupants.
3Reliability
If the secondary latch can be released only by external handle, then the safety against unauthorized opening is improved, but the ease of operation for emergency access from interior deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency handle inside the hood compartment is designed with multi-functionality. Under normal conditions, it only releases the primary latch. However, when the vehicle is stationary, it can also release the secondary latch through the actuator mechanism, providing universal access capability from the interior without compromising security during motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves as an intermediary mechanism between the emergency handle and the secondary latch. The actuator is controlled by the system based on vehicle motion status, mediating the connection between the emergency handle and secondary latch release. This allows the emergency handle to potentially release both latches when safe, while preventing unauthorized secondary latch release during motion.
Data Source
AI summary
A latch release system for a vehicle includes a primary and a secondary latch securing a front hood. An emergency handle within a compartment is covered by the front hood, linked to the primary latch and movable to actuate a switch. An actuator is arranged to release the secondary latch. A controller is configured to trigger the actuator to release the secondary latch responsive to actuation of the switch. An emergency latch release system for front compartment of a motor vehicle and a method are also disclosed.