Closure Latch Cinch Mechanism with Anti-Pinch Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current power-operated closure latch assemblies face challenges in accurately determining the position of the ratchet, leading to blind spots that result in malfunctioning cinch operations and potentially causing damage or pinching objects during the cinching process, while also requiring high latch release forces that increase the size and cost of the latch assembly.
Innovation Solution
A power-operated closure latch assembly with a single switch assembly that simultaneously detects the positions of the pawl and ratchet, using a cinch mechanism that adjusts power modes based on the presence of an object between the closure panel and the structural portion of the vehicle, and employs a cinch link mechanism to hold the ratchet in a secondary striker capture position without direct latched engagement, allowing for reduced complexity and packaging size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional switch assembly is used to detect ratchet position, then the cinch operation can be controlled, but blind spots occur leading to malfunctioning cinch operations and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple switch assemblies into a single integrated switch assembly that simultaneously detects both pawl and ratchet positions. This merging eliminates blind spots by ensuring continuous positional awareness throughout the closure panel's movement range, preventing malfunctioning cinch operations and potential damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch assembly provides continuous feedback signals to the control unit about the precise positions of both the pawl and ratchet. This feedback mechanism allows the control unit to accurately determine when to activate or deactivate the cinch mechanism, eliminating blind spots and ensuring reliable operation throughout the entire closing sequence.
2Strength
If high latch release forces are used to ensure secure latching, then the latch holds firmly, but the size and cost of the latch assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic cinch mechanism that adjusts its power output based on the detected gap distance. The system operates in different power modes: high power mode when a gap is detected to cinch the closure panel firmly, and low power mode when the panel is already close, reducing unnecessary force application and allowing for a more compact latch assembly design.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit dynamically changes the power output parameter of the cinch actuator based on real-time position feedback from the switch assembly. By adjusting the power mode between high and low settings, the system achieves secure latching when needed while reducing overall system complexity and size through optimized force application.
3Productivity
If the cinch mechanism operates continuously at high power, then the closure panel closes quickly, but objects may be pinched or damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The cinch mechanism dynamically adjusts its power output based on real-time gap detection. When a gap is detected, the system operates in high power mode to quickly cinch the closure panel. When the panel approaches the vehicle body and the gap is eliminated, the system automatically transitions to low power mode, preventing pinching of objects or damage while maintaining efficient closing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit periodically monitors the gap distance using the switch assembly and adjusts the cinch actuator's power mode accordingly. This periodic detection and adjustment creates a rhythm of high-power cinching followed by low-power maintenance, ensuring both speed and safety throughout the closing operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A closure latch assembly and method for cinching a closure panel from a partially closed position to a fully closed position without pinching an object between the closure panel and a structural portion of a motor vehicle are provided. The latch assembly has a latch cinch mechanism including a cinch lever operably moveable from a cinch start position to a cinch stop position to cause a cinch link to move a ratchet from a secondary striker capture position to a primary striker capture position. A power-operated cinch actuator receives a first signal to move the cinch lever from the cinch start position to the cinch stop position and receives a second signal, in response to an object detected between the closure panel and the structural portion, to stop moving the cinch lever from the cinch start position toward the cinch stop position.