Power Child Lock Actuator Motor Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing child lock mechanisms in vehicles require an additional motor for electromechanical activation, increasing complexity and cost, as they typically rely on a unique DC motor and drivetrain to engage or disengage the system.
Innovation Solution
A latch assembly design that utilizes an existing motor within the latch subassembly, such as a central lock or power release motor, to provide both child lock and electric release functions by incorporating a gear system with distinct zones and switches to control the gear's position, allowing the same motor to perform both functions without adding an extra motor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a unique DC motor and drivetrain are used to provide child locking function, then the child lock mechanism can be electromechanically activated, but an additional motor must be included in the latch, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the existing motor (used for power window release) to also control the child lock mechanism. The motor is coupled to a gear assembly that can engage different mechanisms: when the gear engages the first gear tooth, it activates the power window release; when the gear engages the second gear tooth, it activates the child lock. This allows one motor to perform multiple functions, eliminating the need for a separate motor for child lock activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the gear assembly into distinct engagement zones with different gear teeth positioned at different angular orientations. The first gear tooth engages with a first cam surface for power window release, while the second gear tooth engages with a second cam surface for child lock. This segmentation allows the single motor to selectively activate different functions by rotating to different positions, thereby avoiding the need for multiple motors.
2Extent of automation
If another motor is added to provide electromechanical child lock activation, then the child lock function is achieved, but the cost and complexity of the latch increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing motor universal by programming it to control both the power window release and child lock functions through the gear assembly's selective engagement. The controller directs the motor to rotate to specific angular positions: one position for power window release and another position for child lock activation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for an additional motor, thereby reducing manufacturing cost and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the control functions of power window release and child lock into a single motor-driven gear assembly. By combining these two separate functions into one integrated mechanism, the patent reduces the total number of components required, thereby lowering manufacturing cost and simplifying the latch assembly without compromising the electromechanical activation capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a gear system with multiple engagement positions is used, then the existing motor can control both child lock and power release functions, but the gear design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gear assembly into distinct engagement zones with different gear teeth positioned at different angular orientations. Each gear tooth is designed to engage with a specific cam surface: the first gear tooth engages with the first cam surface for power window release, while the second gear tooth engages with the second cam surface for child lock. This segmentation allows the single motor to selectively activate different functions by rotating to different positions, achieving versatility without requiring multiple motors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a gear assembly as an intermediary mechanism between the motor and the various actuated functions. The gear assembly serves as a mediator that translates the motor's rotational motion into selective engagement with different cam surfaces. This intermediary gear system enables the motor to control multiple functions through its rotational positions, thereby achieving adaptability while managing the complexity through a well-defined mechanical intermediary.
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
This design integrates a power child lock into an electric release latch using the same motor and gear, reducing costs and complexity while accurately controlling the gear to achieve the locked, unlocked, and release states, thereby eliminating the need for an additional motor.
Implementation Method 1
a gear rotationally mounted to the latch assembly for movement about a fourth axis, the gear being rotated by a motor that drives a worm that meshingly engages teeth of the gear
Implementation Method 2
the gear has a first cam surface configured to contact a cam surface of the child lock lever when the gear is rotated to a locked position and contact of the first cam surface with the cam surface of the child lock lever will rotate the child lock lever about the third axis
Data Source
AI summary
A latch assembly, including: a manual release lever rotationally mounted to the latch assembly for movement about a first axis, the manual release lever being operably coupled to an inside release handle; a release link pivotally mounted to the manual release lever for movement about a second axis; a child lock lever rotationally mounted to the latch assembly for movement about a third axis; a gear rotationally mounted to the latch assembly for movement about a fourth axis, the gear being rotated by a motor that drives a worm that meshingly engages teeth of the gear; a child lock switch positioned to detect a position of the child lock lever; a gear home switch positioned to detect the position of the gear; and wherein the gear has a first cam surface configured to contact a cam surface of the child lock lever when the gear is rotated to a locked position and contact of the first cam surface with the cam surface of the child lock lever will rotate the child lock lever about the third axis and rotation of the child lock lever about the third axis will cause the release link to pivot about the second axis.