Motor Vehicle Latch Assembly with Manual Release Clutch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles with tailgates often require two latches for secure closure, and powered tailgates necessitate significant force to move from open to fully closed positions due to weight and kinematics, posing a challenge in efficient latching and unlatching mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A latch assembly incorporating an electric actuator, drivetrain, and clutch system that allows both electric operation and manual override, featuring a catch and pawl mechanism with a clutch that engages and disengages to facilitate automatic and manual operation, reducing the force required for closure and enabling operation even if the electric actuator fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If an electric actuator is used to close the tailgate, then the force required for closure is reduced, but the system complexity increases due to the need for clutch and manual override mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism dynamically transitions between engaged and disengaged states, allowing the system to switch between powered and manual operation modes. This dynamic configuration enables the electric actuator to assist closure while maintaining the option for manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between force reduction and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch acts as an intermediary element between the electric actuator and the latch mechanism. It mediates the transmission of force from the electric actuator to the latch, enabling controlled engagement and disengagement. This intermediary component allows the system to reduce closure force while managing complexity through a well-defined mechanical interface.
2Reliability
If a clutch mechanism is added to enable manual override, then operational reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch mechanism changes the operational parameter of force transmission by engaging or disengaging the connection between the electric actuator and latch. This parameter change allows the system to maintain reliability through manual override capability while managing complexity through a binary engaged/disengaged state mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the electric actuator, the clutch mechanism, and the latch itself. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, improving reliability through modularity while managing overall system complexity through clear functional separation.
3Ease of operation
If the clutch is designed with a user interface for manual engagement, then ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface is designed to be self-explanatory and self-operating, requiring minimal instruction or complex assembly. The manual engagement mechanism allows users to directly interact with the clutch through an intuitive interface, improving ease of operation while managing manufacturing complexity through straightforward mechanical design.
Data Source
AI summary
A latch assembly for a vehicle closure includes a latch having a catch and a pawl, a clutch, and an electric actuator selectively connected to the latch by the clutch. The electric actuator is configured rotate the pawl out of blocking engagement with the catch to open the latch when the clutch is engaged. A manual release is configured to rotate the pawl out of blocking engage with the catch to open the latch when the clutch is disengaged.