Self-Re-Latching Hood Latch Assembly via Single Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hood latch systems for vehicles often fail to prevent the hood from lifting while the vehicle is in motion, leading to potential obstruction and safety issues, as they can be complex, expensive, and require unnecessary weight with multiple actuators and complex electronics.
Innovation Solution
A latch assembly with a primary, secondary, and unlatched position, featuring a striker, retention member, detent lever, linking member, and memory lever, which uses a single actuator and control module to self-re-latch into the secondary position when the vehicle is driven, preventing the hood from lifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a system with multiple actuators and complex electronics is used to re-engage the secondary latch, then the hood can be prevented from lifting, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the secondary latch actuation function with the existing primary latch actuator. The single actuator performs both primary latch release and secondary latch re-engagement through a cable linkage system, eliminating the need for separate actuators and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining hood security functionality
2Reliability
If a system with multiple actuators is used to re-engage the secondary latch, then the hood can be prevented from lifting, but the weight of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates redundant actuators by having the primary latch actuator perform dual functions through cable linkages. This single-actuator approach removes the weight of additional actuators, electronics, and control systems while maintaining the capability to re-engage the secondary latch and prevent hood lifting during vehicle operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If a system with two separate actuators is used, then the secondary hook can be operated independently, but the cost and complexity of electronics increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions of both latches into a single actuator system with mechanical cable linkages. The actuator can selectively engage or disengage either the primary latch, secondary latch, or both through the cable mechanism, providing operational versatility without requiring separate electronic control systems for each latch
Solution Approach 2:
The cable linkage system acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates single actuator movement into selective engagement of different latches. The cables transmit mechanical force from the single actuator to either the primary or secondary latch based on the actuation sequence, enabling independent operation without electronic complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A latch assembly having primary position, a secondary position, and an unlatched position is disclosed. The latch assembly includes a striker and a retention member. A slot of the retention member is shaped to receive the striker when the latch assembly is in the primary position. The latch assembly includes a detent lever defining a catch configured to engage with the retaining feature of the retention member to secure the latch assembly in the secondary position. The latch assembly includes a linking member coupled to the detent lever, a memory lever moveable about a pivot axis, and a release lever. The memory lever defines a retention surface configured to engage with the linking member when the latch assembly is in the unlatched position. The release lever is rotatable about a shared axis of rotation and operatively connected to the memory lever when the latch assembly is in the unlatched position.