Powered Latch Manual Release Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrically-powered release latches in automotive applications face challenges during assembly when power is not supplied, requiring complex mechanisms or destructive disassembly to disengage the cinching mechanism, especially when a power cinching function is involved.
Innovation Solution
A powered latch mechanism featuring a forkbolt pivotable about a first axis, a detent lever pivotable about a second axis, and a power release lever rotatable about a third axis, which can be manually actuated using a tether to release the latch without power, allowing for manual operation during assembly and resolving jammed cinching issues without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a powered actuator is used to rotate the power release lever for releasing the latch, then automated operation is improved, but manual operation capability deteriorates when power is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The power release lever is designed to perform dual functions: it can be rotated by the powered actuator for automated release, and it can be moved manually along the rotational axis for manual release. This multi-functionality ensures the latch can be operated both automatically and manually depending on power availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static powered-only mechanism to a dynamic system that adapts its operation mode based on power availability. The power release lever can switch between being actuated by the powered actuator and being manually moved, providing operational flexibility.
2Ease of operation
If the power release lever is moved along the third axis to a manual release position, then manual operation capability is improved, but the connection to the powered actuator is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The movement of the power release lever is divided into two independent degrees of freedom: rotation about the third axis for automated operation, and translation along the third axis for manual operation. This segmentation allows each mode to function independently without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The power release lever acts as an intermediary element that can couple with either the powered actuator or the manual tether, but not both simultaneously. When moved to the manual release position, it decouples from the powered actuator while maintaining its function as a release mechanism.
3Reliability
If complex mechanisms are used to disengage the cinching mechanism, then the powered release function is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism merges the cinching disengagement function with the latch release function into a single operation. Rotating the power release lever accomplishes both tasks simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms and reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The power release lever is positioned and configured in advance to engage with both the cinching mechanism and the latch mechanism. This preliminary arrangement ensures that a single rotational action will automatically disengage the cinching mechanism before releasing the latch, without requiring additional steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A powered latch includes a forkbolt pivotable about a first axis between a latched position for retaining a striker and an unlatched position for releasing the striker. A detent lever is pivotable about a second axis and engageable with the forkbolt to secure the forkbolt in the latched position. The latch further includes a powered actuator and a power release lever rotatable about a third axis by the powered actuator to release the detent lever from the forkbolt. The power release lever is manually movable along the third axis from a first position to a second position. Movement of the power release lever from the first position to the second position is operable to release the detent lever.