Motor Vehicle Latch Single Motor Three Position Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle door latches require multiple motors or complex sequential control to achieve various functions, leading to reduced responsiveness, increased size, and difficulties in integrating backup batteries for maintenance or low battery conditions.
Innovation Solution
A compact electric latch design using a single motor with a driver and driven toothed wheel system, including a worm screw and transfer central lever, allowing the actuator to occupy three stop positions and enabling multiple functions without external power supply, and incorporating a release lever for child safety features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple motors are used for different latch functions, then each function can be independently controlled, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a single motor to perform multiple latch functions including locking, unlocking, and child safety locking by varying the actuation sequence and control logic. The motor serves as a universal actuator that can achieve different operational states through programmed control sequences rather than requiring separate dedicated motors for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple actuation functions into a single motor unit. By combining the locking mechanism, unlocking mechanism, and child safety locking mechanism into one motor-driven system, the patent reduces the total number of motors while maintaining all necessary functions through integrated control.
2Device complexity
If sequential control is used for multiple functions with one motor, then device complexity is reduced, but responsiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control sequences that can adapt the actuation timing and speed based on the specific function being performed. The system can execute different sequences at optimized speeds for each function (locking, unlocking, child safety), allowing rapid response while maintaining simplified hardware architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic actuation cycles with predetermined timing sequences to achieve different functions. By controlling the duration and repetition of motor actuation cycles, the system can quickly transition between states while maintaining a simple single-motor architecture.
3Volume of moving object
If a single motor is used for multiple functions, then compactness is improved, but the ability to maintain stable positions for each function becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms including position sensors and limit switches that detect the latch's current state and provide signals to the control unit. This feedback allows the system to confirm when the motor has reached the correct position for each function and maintain stability until the next actuation command, preventing unintended position changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary mechanical positioning features such as detent mechanisms and cam surfaces that prepare and hold the latch in predetermined positions before actuation. These mechanical elements work in conjunction with the motor to ensure stable positioning for each function while maintaining a compact single-motor design.
4Ease of manufacture
If stop-to-stop sequences are used for motor control, then mechanical resetting is enabled, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial actuation sequences where the motor does not always need to complete a full stop-to-stop cycle. For certain functions, the motor can be actuated for a predetermined duration or distance that is sufficient to achieve the desired state without returning to the absolute mechanical zero position, thereby reducing operation time while still enabling mechanical resetting when needed.
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 design enhances compactness, versatility, and motorization, allowing for multiple functions with a single motor, improving responsiveness and simplifying assembly, while enabling child safety features and reducing the need for external power management.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator (A1) intended to occupy three stop positions... a motor (1) adapted to rotatably drive the driving toothed wheel (2) through a worm screw (3)
Implementation Method 2
a spring retainer (9s) adapted to restore the pawl (9) to its initial position
Data Source
AI summary
An electric lock for a motor vehicle opening leaf includes a bolt, a pawl, a central opening lever, and an actuator with three abutment positions and capable of interacting with the central opening lever, the actuator including a driver. The driver includes a toothed driving wheel and a driven wheel. The driven wheel includes a second driving member, a motor intended for driving the actuator, a central transfer lever able to be moved by the driven wheel of the driver by the second driving member and the movement of which is capable of being transmitted to the central opening lever in order to move the pawl into its retracted angular position. One of the wheels of the driver includes a first circle-arc shaped oblong slot and the other wheel includes a first driving member extending through the first circle-arc shaped oblong slot.