Latch Assembly Position Detection via Feedback Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current latch assemblies for motor vehicle compartments lack efficient mechanisms to detect and control the latching and unlatching positions of forkbolts and detents, leading to inconsistent operation and potential failure in securing compartments.
Innovation Solution
A latch assembly design that includes a forkbolt and detent biased to rotate about pivot points, a lever coupled to the detent, and switches to detect the positions of both the forkbolt and combined lever and detent, enabling precise control and automatic cinching operations through a motor-activated mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional latch assemblies are used without position detection, then the structure is simpler, but the reliability of latching and unlatching operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using switches to detect the positions of the forkbolt and detent, and providing this position information back to the control system. This enables the system to monitor whether the latching operation has completed successfully and adjust subsequent operations accordingly, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex redundant mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical position verification with an electromechanical system using switches and a control unit. Instead of relying solely on mechanical interlocks or manual verification, the system uses electrical detection (switches) to determine component positions and controls the motor operations accordingly, reducing mechanical complexity while improving operational reliability
2Productivity
If manual verification of latching position is used, then the device complexity is lower, but the productivity and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly performs self-verification of its state through automatically actuated switches that detect the positions of the forkbolt and detent. The system monitors its own operation and provides feedback about whether latching has completed, eliminating the need for external manual verification and improving operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives feedback from switches about the current positions of latch components and uses this information to automatically control motor operations. This closed-loop feedback system eliminates manual verification steps and streamlines the latching process, improving productivity
3Measurement precision
If switches detect both forkbolt and detent positions, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multi-functional switches that can detect positions of multiple components (forkbolt and detent) or use a single switch to detect the state of the entire latch mechanism. This universal detection approach achieves high measurement precision while avoiding the need for separate detection systems for each component, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A latch assembly includes a forkbolt biased to rotate in a first direction about a first pivot point, and a detent biased to rotate in a second direction about a second pivot point, the detent configured to engage with the forkbolt in at least two different positions. The latch assembly further includes a lever having a first end coupled to the detent and a second end biased toward the forkbolt. The latch assembly further includes a switch configured to detect a position of both the forkbolt and the combined lever and detent.