Closure Latch Assembly with Anti-Rattle Emergency Release Cable
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure latches for vehicle passenger doors are complex and bulky, and lack an economical and regulatory-compliant alternate opening mechanism in case of power interruption to the power-operated actuator.
Innovation Solution
A closure latch system with a power release actuator that moves between home, release, and child lock positions, and an emergency release mechanism that can be manually actuated to unlatch the door regardless of the power release actuator's position, while being noise-free and economical in manufacture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a power-operated actuator is used for closure latch release, then automated operation and convenience are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is divided into distinct functional modules: a power release mechanism with actuator for automated operation, a separate emergency release mechanism with cable and pulley for manual operation, and a latch mechanism with pawl and ratchet. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining both automated and manual capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The release lever serves multiple functions: it can be actuated by the power release mechanism for automated release, by the emergency release cable for manual release, and it directly controls the pawl position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while providing both power-operated and emergency release capabilities.
2Reliability
If an emergency release mechanism is added for power failure scenarios, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A cable assembly with a pulley acts as an intermediary between the emergency release handle and the release lever. The cable transmits force from the handle through the pulley system to move the release lever, enabling emergency release without direct mechanical connection. This intermediary approach allows compact integration of the emergency release function with minimal additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The emergency release cable and pulley mechanism are nested within the existing latch assembly structure. The cable routes through the housing and connects to the release lever, which is already part of the latch mechanism. This nested integration allows the emergency release function to be added without requiring separate external components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the emergency release cable is made taut to prevent rattling noise, then noise reduction is improved, but the cable may interfere with normal operation or require additional space
Solution Approach 1:
The cable assembly includes an adjustable cable length and tensioning mechanism that allows the cable to be configured with appropriate pre-tension. This parameter adjustment ensures the cable is taut enough to prevent rattling noise during vehicle operation, while the adjustable nature allows optimization of the cable route and tension to minimize space requirements and avoid interference with other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable is routed through a pulley system that changes the dimensional orientation of the cable path. The pulley redirects the cable force in a different direction, allowing the cable to maintain tension for noise prevention while routing through available space within the latch assembly housing, thereby minimizing the volume occupied by the cable without creating interference with other 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 system reduces complexity and packaging, provides an alternate opening mechanism in case of power interruption, and maintains regulatory compliance and noise-free operation.
Implementation Method 1
a spring member configured to impart a spring bias on the release lever
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a closure latch assembly and system for a vehicle closure panel equipped with a latch mechanism having a latched position and an unlatched position and a power release mechanism moveable between home position, a release position and a double pull position and/or a child lock position, wherein a motor is operable to move the power release mechanism from the home position to the release position and from the home position to the double pull position and/or the child lock position, and wherein an emergency backup mechanism in mechanically coupled communication with the latch mechanism can be mechanically actuated from a non-deployed position to a deployed position to move a pawl from a ratchet holding position to a ratchet releasing position regardless of the position of the power release mechanism, wherein the emergency backup mechanism is prevented from generating rattling noise while in the non-deployed position.