Closure Latch Assembly Emergency Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power-operated closure latch assemblies face challenges in coordinating operation between normal and emergency modes, particularly in vehicle electrical systems where local operation of closure latch assemblies is not desirable, and there is a need for advanced technology to address these shortcomings.
Innovation Solution
A closure latch assembly with a power actuator and ECU that includes a ratchet and pawl mechanism, a gear train with lost motion connection, and a system for controlling a power release motor in both normal and emergency modes using primary and secondary controllers, allowing for efficient operation and emergency power supply from a backup source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a local latch control unit is used to control closure latch assembly operation, then the latch can operate independently during emergencies, but the vehicle electrical system complexity increases and coordination between normal and emergency modes becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the emergency control function from the vehicle's central electrical system by providing a standalone backup power source (supercapacitor) and control unit within the latch assembly itself. This allows the latch to operate independently during emergencies without increasing overall system complexity, as the backup system is self-contained rather than adding to the central architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between normal mode (controlled by vehicle electrical system) and emergency mode (controlled by backup supercapacitor) based on power availability. The control unit monitors power status and automatically transitions control authority, enabling reliable operation across varying conditions without permanent complexity.
2Reliability
If a backup energy source is integrated into the closure latch assembly, then powered operation during emergencies is enabled, but the device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a supercapacitor instead of a traditional battery, utilizing its unique electrical parameters (high power density, fast charge/discharge cycles, long cycle life) to provide emergency power. This parameter change allows for a more compact and lighter energy storage solution compared to conventional chemical batteries, reducing weight while maintaining emergency operation capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a standardized actuator module is used that can be attached to different latch modules, then adaptability to various closure systems is improved, but the connection and integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator module is designed with universal mounting features and standardized electrical connections that allow it to interface with multiple different latch module types. The actuator incorporates adaptive control software that can be programmed to work with various latch mechanisms, providing one actuator unit that serves multiple functions across different closure systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A closure latch assembly, operable in one of a normal operating mode and an emergency mode, has a power release motor, a ratchet and a pawl, with the ratchet being moveable between a striker capture position and a striker release position and the pawl being moveable between a ratchet holding position, whereat ratchet is maintained in the striker capture position, and a ratchet release position, whereat ratchet is biased toward the striker release position. The power release motor is configured to operate using primary control signals received from a primary controller external to closure latch assembly during the normal operating mode of closure latch assembly and to operate using secondary control signals received from a secondary controller internal to closure latch assembly during the emergency operating mode of closure latch assembly and not operate using the secondary control signals received from secondary controller during the normal operating mode.