Motorized Striker for Vehicle Door Latch with Power Failure Override
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power door latch systems for vehicular applications lack an override mechanism for power failures, are not adjustable to accommodate manufacturing tolerances, and have limited travel distance, leading to difficulties in closing large doors and windows without excessive force and potential safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A motorized moveable striker system that provides prescribed linear movement, allowing for easy closure of large doors and windows with minimal effort, while also being adjustable to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and featuring an override mechanism for power failures, ensuring safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a power cinching latch system is used to automate door closure, then the force required to close the door is reduced, but the system becomes unreliable during power failures causing lockout conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational state of the striker by introducing an extended position that is activated under specific conditions (power failure detection). The controller monitors power availability and transitions the striker from its normal retracted position to an extended position when power failure is detected, enabling manual door opening without requiring power to the motor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary component that mediates between the power system and the striker mechanism. The controller detects power failures and automatically adjusts the striker position to maintain door operability, acting as a bridge that ensures reliability even when the primary power-driven closure mechanism fails.
2Device complexity
If a fixed striker position is used in power door latch systems, then the device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing tolerances reduce the effectiveness of the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the striker from a fixed static component to a dynamic adjustable component. The striker can be positioned in multiple states (retracted and extended positions) and can be adjusted along the door frame to accommodate manufacturing tolerances. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to variations in door and frame dimensions without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If a short travel distance of 6-8 millimeters is used in the striker, then the device complexity is reduced, but large doors cannot be engaged without compressing door seals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the door closure process into two distinct phases: a first phase where the striker provides its normal short travel (6-8 millimeters) for standard latching, and a second phase where the striker extends further to provide additional travel for large doors. This segmentation allows the system to handle both small and large doors effectively, with the extended travel option available when needed without complicating the basic mechanism.
4Ease of operation
If the striker travel is extended to accommodate large doors, then the ability to close large doors is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic striker mechanism that can extend beyond its normal travel range when needed. The extended travel capability is achieved through a controller that actuates the striker to an extended position, allowing the same basic mechanism to serve both standard and large door applications without requiring separate mechanical systems for each door size.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller system is provided for a motorized moveable striker assembly on a vehicle door or window. The assembly includes a striker on the door post which is moveable by an electric motor between extended and retracted positions. A latch on the door releasably engages the striker. Switches in the latch sends signals to the controller to actuate the motor. After the latch is engaged, the controller retracts the striker from the extended position to fully close the door. When the latch is disengaged from the striker, the latch switch sends a signal to controller to actuate the motor so as to extend the striker from the retracted position to the extended position as to prepare for the next door closing. Anti-pinching control and temperature compensation is also provided.