Mechanical Door Release Linkage for Vehicle Latch Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle door management systems face challenges in securely and reliably releasing doors without electrical components, particularly in high-cycle applications where fatigue issues arise, and require a solution that ensures longevity and redundancy to prevent downtime.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical door release system that uses a handle mechanism coupled with an indicator mechanism and a sensor to generate a signal for the control circuitry, which determines the latch's state and releases it based on various vehicle and environmental conditions, including proximity to a keyfob and drivetrain status, without relying on electrical components within the door.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electrical components are used in the door mechanism, then door control functionality is achieved, but electrical fatigue and reliability issues arise in high-cycle applications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor control reliabilityVSAvoidcomponent service life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical components (motors, switches, wiring) with a purely mechanical linkage system. The handle mechanism directly mechanically actuates the latch through a series of linkages, levers, and cam mechanisms, eliminating electrical fatigue and improving reliability in high-cycle applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical linkage system is self-actuating through the handle mechanism. The user's manual operation of the handle directly drives the latch release through mechanical advantage, requiring no external power source or control electronics, thereby eliminating electrical fatigue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Duration of action of moving object

If a purely mechanical release system is used, then electrical fatigue is avoided, but control over door release based on vehicle conditions is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent service lifeVSAvoidconditional door release control

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a sensor as an intermediary between the mechanical handle actuation and the final latch release. The sensor detects vehicle conditions (locked state, ignition status) and mediates whether the mechanical force from handle actuation should be transmitted to release the latch, enabling conditional control while maintaining the mechanical actuation path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of vehicle conditions through sensors before allowing the mechanical release to occur. The control circuitry evaluates conditions in advance and only permits latch release when appropriate, preventing premature or unsafe door opening while maintaining mechanical reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If mechanical linkages are used for door release, then electrical components and wiring in the door are eliminated, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor assembly simplicityVSAvoidmechanical linkage complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the door release system into distinct functional modules: handle mechanism, indicator mechanism, linkage system, and latch mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies assembly and manufacturing while maintaining overall system functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical linkage system is designed to perform multiple functions: it transmits actuation force, provides mechanical advantage for easy operation, and interfaces with both the handle mechanism and latch. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall system despite the mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11668120B2Automatic door release with mechanical linkage

Publication Date: 2023.06.06 RIVIAN HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

A system for managing door operation of a vehicle includes a door system and a doorjamb system configured for the door to close against. The door system includes a door having a handle mechanism, an indicator mechanism coupled to the handle mechanism and actuated by motion of the handle mechanism, and a latch feature configured to be engaged for latching the door closed. The doorjamb system includes a sensor configured to generate a sensor signal indicative of a state of the indicator mechanism, and a latching mechanism configured to secure and release the latch feature of the door. Control circuitry of the vehicle is coupled to the sensor and latching mechanism, and is configured to receive the sensor signal, and control the latching mechanism based on the sensor signal. The control circuitry determines state information for the vehicle and determines whether to secure or release the latch mechanism.