Vehicle Hood Latch Assembly With Impact-Triggered Sliding Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current deployable latch assemblies for vehicle hoods are not compact and can be unreliable in collision situations, failing to effectively protect vulnerable road users by not providing sufficient deformation zones during impacts.
Innovation Solution
A latch assembly with a compact design featuring a first plate and second plate slidably connected through a vertical member, incorporating deformable elements that secure the plates in a horizontal direction until impact, allowing the first plate to slide relative to the second plate to increase the deformation zone, and a rod connecting the plates for controlled sliding motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a deployable latch assembly is designed to extend in a collision situation to increase the deformation zone, then the protection capability for vulnerable road users is improved, but the space occupied by the latch assembly in normal conditions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is designed with a nested structure where the first plate can be positioned within or adjacent to the second plate in the retracted state, minimizing the space occupied. Upon impact, the deformable element fails and allows the first plate to extend outward, creating the deformation zone. This nesting approach allows the system to achieve both compact storage and functional extension.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assembly transitions from a static compact configuration to a dynamic extended configuration upon impact. The deformable element is designed to fail at a predetermined force, enabling the transition from retracted to extended state. This dynamic behavior allows the system to occupy minimal space during normal operation while providing the necessary deformation zone when needed.
2Volume of moving object
If the latch assembly is designed to be compact in normal operation, then the space usage is minimized, but the reliability in collision situations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable element is pre-configured with a predetermined failure force threshold. During normal operation, this element maintains the compact configuration by securing the first plate to the second plate. When subjected to impact forces exceeding the predetermined threshold, the deformable element fails as designed, allowing the latch assembly to extend and create the deformation zone. This preliminary configuration ensures reliable performance in collision situations while maintaining compactness during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its structural parameters based on the applied force. In normal conditions, the deformable element maintains a rigid connection between the plates, preserving the compact configuration. Upon impact exceeding the predetermined force, the deformable element undergoes permanent deformation or failure, changing the structural state to allow extension. This parameter change enables the system to transition reliably from compact to extended state based on collision intensity.
3Length of stationary object
If the first plate is allowed to slide relative to the second plate through the elongated slot, then the deformation zone is increased, but the structural stability in normal operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the first plate, second plate, elongated slot, and deformable element. The elongated slot provides a guided path for the first plate's movement, ensuring that sliding occurs only in the intended direction and manner. This segmentation allows the system to maintain structural stability through defined geometric constraints while enabling the necessary relative motion for deformation zone creation when the deformable element fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable element acts as an intermediary mechanism that controls the interaction between the first and second plates. In normal operation, it maintains a secure connection, preventing relative motion and ensuring structural stability. Upon impact, it fails and allows the first plate to slide through the elongated slot, creating the deformation zone. The elongated slot serves as a mediator that guides this motion, ensuring it occurs in a controlled manner that increases the deformation zone while maintaining overall system stability.
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 latch assembly achieves a compact, robust design that minimizes space usage while providing an increased deformation zone upon impact, enhancing protection for vulnerable road users by allowing controlled sliding motion and distributing impact forces effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one deformable element is arranged to deform upon impact in the horizontal direction, allowing the first plate being to slide relative to the second plate in the horizontal direction to an extended position
Data Source
AI summary
A latch assembly for a hood of a vehicle including a first plate including an elongated slot extending in a horizontal direction (H), a second plate, a first member being mechanically connected to the second plate, the first member extending in a vertical direction (V) through the elongated slot, slidably connecting the first plate to the second plate, at least one deformable element, in a retracted position of the latch assembly, securing the first plate to the second plate in the horizontal direction (H), and the at least one deformable element being arranged to deform upon impact in the horizontal direction (H) allowing the first plate to slide relative to the second plate in the horizontal direction (H) to an extended position. The present disclosure further relates to a hood elevation system for a vehicle and a method for manufacturing a latch assembly for a hood of a vehicle.