Powered Latch Manual Release Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electrically-powered release latches in automotive applications face challenges when power is not supplied, requiring complex mechanisms or destructive disassembly to disengage the cinching mechanism, especially when the latch also provides a power cinching function.
Innovation Solution
A powered latch mechanism incorporating a forkbolt, detent lever, power cinching lever, power release lever, and manual release lever, allowing for manual release without power actuation by interrupting the power transmission path and driving the detent lever to release the forkbolt, enabling operation even without electrical power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a powered actuator is used to provide power cinching function, then the latching reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases and manual release becomes difficult without power
Solution Approach 1:
The manual release lever is divided into functionally distinct segments: a first portion that interrupts the power transmission path between the powered actuator and power cinching lever, and a second portion that directly actuates the detent lever. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction by enabling manual release without requiring the powered actuator to be disassembled or destroyed.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual release lever serves as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the gap between manual input and the dual functions required for release. By positioning the lever such that its first portion can disconnect the power transmission path and its second portion can actuate the detent lever, it mediates the release process without requiring destructive disassembly, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Ease of operation
If a dedicated mechanical release device is added for manual operation, then the ease of operation without power is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual release lever is merged with the existing powered release lever structure, combining the manual release function with the power release function in a single integrated component. This merging eliminates the need for a completely separate mechanical release device, thereby improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual release lever is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be actuated manually to interrupt the power transmission path, and it can also drive the detent lever to release the forkbolt. This multi-functionality allows a single component to serve both manual release and power release operations, improving ease of operation while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
3Reliability
If complex mechanisms are used to disengage the cinching mechanism for manual release, then the reliability of powered operation is improved, but the ease of operation without power deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The manual release lever is positioned and configured in advance such that a single rotational input simultaneously accomplishes two preliminary actions: interrupting the power transmission path and driving the detent lever to release the forkbolt. This preliminary arrangement of the lever geometry allows manual release to occur easily without requiring complex sequential operations, while the powered actuator maintains full control during normal powered operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A powered latch with manual release includes a forkbolt, a detent lever, and a powered actuator. The forkbolt is pivotable about a first axis to latch and unlatch a striker. The detent lever is pivotable about a second axis and engageable with the forkbolt to secure the forkbolt in the latched position. A power cinching lever is rotatable by the powered actuator to cinch the forkbolt to the latched position. A power release lever is rotatable by the powered actuator to release the detent lever from the forkbolt. A manual release lever is supported for rotation about a third axis and operable by a single manual rotation from outside the powered latch, without operation of the powered actuator, to both: interrupt a power transmission path between the powered actuator and the power cinching lever, and drive the detent lever to release the forkbolt.