Latch System Actuator Sensor Cycle Life
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latch systems lack cost-effective, reliable, and durable solutions for electrical operation, particularly in applications requiring frequent use cycles, such as vehicle doors, where they often suffer from reduced cycle life and increased maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A latch system incorporating a motor-actuated mechanism with a connector and trigger assembly, combined with a sensor assembly featuring a sensing arm and sensor, allows for electrical operation and enhanced durability by reducing stress on components and increasing cycle life through controlled rotation and positioning of the latch cam and trigger.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a motor-actuated mechanism is added to enable electrical operation, then the latch system achieves remote access control and monitoring capabilities, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A connector component serves as an intermediary between the motor and the trigger assembly, transmitting mechanical force while allowing relative movement. This intermediary element enables electrical actuation without requiring the motor to directly interface with complex mechanical linkages, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an electric motor-driven system. The motor converts electrical energy to mechanical motion, actuating the latch through the connector and trigger mechanism, thereby achieving remote access control and monitoring capabilities that would be impossible with purely mechanical systems
2Productivity
If the latch cam and trigger are subjected to frequent use cycles, then the latch system maintains operational flexibility and responsiveness, but the cycle life and durability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with sufficient length and appropriate mechanical engagement to cushion and absorb the impact forces generated during frequent actuation cycles. This beforehand cushioning protects the trigger assembly and latch cam from excessive stress, extending their operational life while maintaining rapid response capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic movement relationships between the connector, trigger, and latch cam, allowing controlled relative movements that reduce stress concentration. The trigger can move relative to the connector, and the latch cam rotates smoothly between positions, creating a dynamic system that adapts to frequent use without suffering proportional degradation in durability
3Reliability
If the trigger assembly is designed with precise engagement mechanisms, then the latch system achieves reliable locking and unlocking, but the manufacturing precision requirements and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger assembly is segmented into distinct functional components with specialized engagement features. The connector provides a simplified interface that engages with the trigger through basic mechanical contact rather than complex precision fitting. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and assembled with lower precision requirements while maintaining overall locking reliability through the distributed engagement mechanism
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 effectively maintains or increases the cycle life of the latch, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and extending the time before component replacement, while enabling reliable and efficient operation in high-frequency use scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
The motor is coupled to the connector and is configured to move the connector between the locking position and the unlocking position
Implementation Method 2
The sensing arm is positioned for contact with the striker when the striker is captured by the latch system
Data Source
AI summary
A latch system for capturing a striker, the latch system comprising an actuator, a position sensor, or a combination thereof is disclosed. The latch system includes a latch having a latch cam and a trigger; an actuator having a connector and a motor; and a sensor assembly having a sensing arm and a sensor. The latch cam of the latch is configured to capture the striker when in a closed position. The latch cam is retained in the closed position when the trigger of the latch is in the locked position. The trigger of the latch is moved from an unlocked position toward the locked position by the connector of the actuator when it is moved by the motor from the unlocking position toward the locking position. The sensing arm contacts the striker when the striker is captured by the latch system. The sensor is deactivated when the sensing arm is in one of the latched position or the unlatched position and activated when the sensing arm is in the other one of the latched position or the unlatched position.