Mono-Directional Power Release Actuator for Vehicle Closure Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power door latch assemblies for motor vehicles face challenges in maintaining intended position and functionality, especially during emergency conditions like crashes, while minimizing components and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A closure latch assembly with a power release gear driven by a mono-directional motor, featuring sensor and hard stop mechanisms for normal release, and bi-directional rotation for emergency release, ensuring reliable operation with minimal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a power actuated latch assembly is equipped with sensor and hard stop features for stopping the power release gear during powered releasing, then the reliability of the latch assembly is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning the power release gear stop lug and ratchet stop lug to engage before any potential over-travel occurs. These mechanical stops are built into the design beforehand to prevent the power release gear from rotating beyond the home position, eliminating the need for complex sensor systems while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the power release gear stop lug and ratchet stop lug as intermediary mechanical elements that mediate between the motor and the latch mechanism. These stop lugs act as physical intermediaries that automatically prevent over-rotation through direct mechanical engagement, replacing the need for electronic sensors and control systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the power release gear is designed to rotate bi-directionally for emergency release, then the adaptability of the latch assembly is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the power release gear and motor assembly to perform multiple functions: normal powered release in one rotation direction and emergency manual release in the opposite direction. This multi-functionality is achieved through the bi-directional rotation capability built into the basic mechanical structure, allowing the same components to serve both normal and emergency operations without adding separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the power release gear to rotate in both directions depending on operational needs. The mono-directional motor provides powered rotation in one direction for normal release, while the bi-directional capability allows manual override in the opposite direction for emergencies. This dynamic adaptability is achieved through the mechanical design of the gear and stop lug engagement rather than complex electronic control.
3Ease of manufacture
If the latch assembly uses minimal components for economical manufacture, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the stop lugs to automatically engage and prevent over-travel without requiring external sensors, controllers, or additional actuating mechanisms. The mechanical stops self-regulate the power release gear's movement, ensuring reliable operation while maintaining a simple component structure that is economical to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple, easily manufactured stop lugs made from basic materials that can be integrated into the existing latch components. These mechanical stops are designed to be simple, robust features rather than complex assemblies, allowing reliable functionality to be achieved through minimal, cost-effective additions to the basic latch structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A closure latch assembly includes a power release gear configured to be driven by a motor in a first direction from a home position to a release position, whereat a pawl releases a ratchet to permit the ratchet to move to a striker release position, and back to the home position in the first direction, whereat a sensor signals the motor to be de-energized when the power release gear returns to the home position. In the absence of the pawl releasing the ratchet, the power release gear is driven by the motor in a second direction opposite the first direction to cause the pawl to release the ratchet to permit the ratchet to move to the striker release position.