Rear Compartment Latch with Integrated Power and Manual Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle latch mechanisms are not compact or cost-effective, and they fail to accommodate various features and packaging requirements, leading to multiple design variations and increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A latch mechanism with a rotating claw and pawl, featuring a power release mechanism using a bellcrank lever and motor, a manual release mechanism with an arm lever, and an emergency release mechanism, allowing for compact integration and multiple feature sets while reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple latch design variations are created to accommodate different packaging requirements and features, then the latch can meet diverse application needs, but manufacturing and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed with a universal base structure that can accommodate multiple release mechanisms (power release with motor and bellcrank lever, manual release with arm lever, and emergency release). This multi-functional design allows a single latch platform to serve different packaging requirements and application needs without requiring separate design variations, thereby reducing manufacturing and assembly costs while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional components and features are included in the latch mechanism, then the latch provides more functionality, but the space available for the latch decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple release mechanisms (power release, manual release, and emergency release) into a single integrated latch mechanism. The power release mechanism includes a motor, bellcrank lever, and pawl; the manual release includes an arm lever; and the emergency release is integrated into the same structure. By combining these functions into one compact unit rather than separate components, the design provides enhanced functionality while minimizing the overall space required for the latch mechanism.
3Volume of moving object
If the latch mechanism is made more compact, then the space required decreases, but the complexity of integrating multiple release mechanisms increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is segmented into distinct functional modules: the power release mechanism with motor and bellcrank lever, the manual release mechanism with arm lever, and the emergency release mechanism. Each module is designed to operate independently but integrates into a compact unified structure. This segmentation allows for easier assembly, maintenance, and manufacturing while achieving a compact overall size, as each component can be optimized separately and then combined efficiently.
Data Source
AI summary
A latch is provided including a claw configured to rotate between an open position and a closed position. A pawl is rotatable in and out of engagement with the claw. The latch includes a first release mechanism, a second release mechanism, and a third release mechanism. The first release mechanism applies a rotational force to a first portion of the pawl to rotate the pawl out of engagement with the claw. The second release mechanism applies a rotational force to a second portion of the pawl to rotate the pawl out of engagement with the claw. The third release mechanism applies a rotational force to a first portion of the pawl to rotate the pawl out of engagement with the claw.