Remote Secondary Hood Latch Release Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing hood latch mechanisms require operators to manually locate and actuate the secondary hood latch release handle, which can be frustrating, especially in poorly lit conditions or for unfamiliar users, as it necessitates inserting hands under the partially opened hood.
Innovation Solution
A remote secondary hood latch release mechanism using an interior vehicle button, key fob, or smartphone, coupled with a controller and hood proximity sensor, allowing the hood to be fully raised without manual intervention after the primary latch is released, and automatically deactivating the secondary latch when the hood is lifted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual secondary hood latch release handle is used, then the hood can be securely held in a partially open position, but the operator must insert hands under the partially opened hood to locate and actuate the release handle, which is difficult in poorly lit areas or at night
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation of the secondary hood latch release handle with an automated electromechanical system. A solenoid actuator is positioned inside the vehicle compartment and automatically engages/disengages the secondary latch based on signals from the primary latch switch and hood position sensor, eliminating the need for manual intervention in difficult-to-reach areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the hood latch mechanism automatically manages its own state transitions. When the primary latch is released, the system automatically activates the solenoid to disengage the secondary latch, and when the hood is closed, the system automatically re-engages the secondary latch without requiring operator intervention.
2Reliability
If the secondary hood latch remains engaged after hood opening, then the hood cannot be accidentally closed, but it prevents the hood from being properly closed when intended
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback from a hood position sensor that detects whether the hood is in the closed or open position. This feedback signal is used by the control logic to automatically disengage the secondary latch when the hood is opened and automatically re-engage it when the hood is closed, ensuring the latch state always matches the intended operational state.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary hood latch transitions from a static engaged state to a dynamic system that can automatically change states based on operational conditions. The solenoid actuator provides dynamic control, allowing the latch to be temporarily disengaged during hood opening operations and automatically re-engaged when closing is detected, adapting to the current operational context.
3Ease of operation
If a remote secondary hood latch release mechanism is implemented, then the operator can actuate the release from inside the vehicle, but additional control systems and sensors are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the secondary hood latch release function with the existing primary latch control system. The solenoid actuator is integrated into the existing latch mechanism structure, and the control logic utilizes signals already present in the vehicle's hood latch system (primary latch switch and hood position sensor), thereby adding remote functionality while minimizing additional complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle secondary hood latch release mechanism comprises a striker, a primary hood latch, and a secondary hood latch. A remote secondary hood latch release device actuates the secondary hood latch only after a primary hood latch switch provides a signal to the controller indicating that the primary hood latch is in the disengaged position. A hood sensor provides a signal when the hood has been lifted to the open condition. The controller actuates the secondary hood latch to the disengaged position for a prescribed period of time upon actuation of a vehicle system input device, and thereafter the controller actuates the secondary hood latch to the engaged position upon the earlier of expiration of the prescribed time or the hood sensor providing the signal to the controller that the hood has been lifted to the open condition.