Motorized Vehicle Door Latch Emergency Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motorized vehicle door latches lack a mechanism for manual operation in case of power loss or motor failure, preventing door opening in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A motorized vehicle door latch with an emergency release system, featuring a hidden handle, sensors, and a mechanical driving unit that allows manual operation of the door opening mechanism, ensuring the door can be opened even without electrical power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a motorized door latch system is used to enable automatic door opening and closing operations, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because the door cannot be opened in case of power loss or motor failure
Solution Approach 1:
The door latch system is segmented into two independent operational modes: motorized operation for normal use and manual mechanical operation for emergencies. The motorized latch assembly handles automatic door operations, while a separate manual release mechanism with a pulling member provides backup capability. This segmentation ensures that failure of the motorized system does not prevent door opening, as the manual mechanism remains independently functional.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by providing a manual release mechanism as a pre-prepared backup solution. The pulling member and associated mechanical linkages are positioned and configured in advance within the door latch assembly, ready to be activated when power loss or motor failure occurs. This ensures that the door can be opened without delay in emergency situations, as the manual mechanism is already in place and requires only simple user activation.
2Reliability
If a manual release mechanism is added to the motorized door latch, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual release mechanism is merged with the existing motorized latch assembly rather than being implemented as a completely separate system. The pulling member integrates with the latch bolt and cam mechanism that are already part of the motorized system. This merging approach allows the manual and motorized mechanisms to share common components, reducing overall complexity compared to having entirely separate systems while still providing reliable backup functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The pulling member and associated mechanical components serve dual functions: they act as part of the motorized latch mechanism during normal operation and function as the manual release mechanism during emergencies. The cam and latch bolt, for example, are engaged by the motor during automatic operation but can also be manually manipulated via the pulling member when power is unavailable. This multi-functionality reduces the need for entirely separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the hidden handle is designed to detect pulling distance with sensors, then the operational precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system implements local quality by placing sensors at specific locations along the pulling member's travel path to detect particular positions (such as when the pulling member reaches certain distances or triggers specific mechanical states). Rather than continuously monitoring the entire range of motion with complex sensor arrays, the system uses strategically positioned sensors to detect key positions, thereby achieving sufficient measurement precision for controlling the door opening sequence while limiting overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a motorized door latch for a vehicle, particularly, relates to a motorized vehicle door latch with emergency release that is installed on a vehicle door, and can open the vehicle door, when necessary, using a motorized door latch, either electrically or mechanically, depending on the degree of pulling a hidden handle that is withdrawn, so that the vehicle door can be easily opened even if the electricity supply is cut off in an emergency.