Single-Motor Vehicle Door Latch With Selective Drive Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door latch systems require multiple components to perform various functions, making them complex and costly, while also compromising packaging compatibility and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A single-motor vehicle latch system that integrates power release/back drive, power lock/unlock, and mechanical lock/unlock functions, reducing the number of components needed and enhancing electrical performance for a premium user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are used to perform various latch functions, then functional completeness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor assembly is designed to perform multiple functions including power release, back drive, power lock, and power unlock operations through a single integrated unit. The motor assembly includes a motor, worm gear, and drive assembly that can selectively engage different mechanisms to achieve various latch functions, eliminating the need for separate motors for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple motors are used to perform power release and power lock/unlock functions, then functional completeness is improved, but device complexity and packaging compatibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
A single motor assembly performs both power release and power lock/unlock functions that traditionally required separate motors. The motor assembly includes a motor, worm gear, and drive assembly with selective engagement mechanisms that allow one motor to control multiple latch functions, reducing component count and improving packaging compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the power release mechanism and power lock/unlock mechanism into a single integrated drive assembly. The motor assembly's worm gear can selectively engage with either the release lever or the lock/unlock lever through the drive assembly, merging previously separate motor functions into one unified system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are used in the latch assembly, then functional completeness is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor assembly is designed to perform multiple functions including power release, back drive, power lock, and power unlock operations through a single integrated unit. The motor assembly includes a motor, worm gear, and drive assembly that can selectively engage different mechanisms to achieve various latch functions, eliminating the need for separate motors for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the power release mechanism and power lock/unlock mechanism into a single integrated drive assembly. The motor assembly's worm gear can selectively engage with either the release lever or the lock/unlock lever through the drive assembly, merging previously separate motor functions into one unified system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The single-motor system simplifies the latch mechanism, reduces costs, maintains packaging compatibility, and provides a seamless user experience with enhanced security and functionality, including power release, cinching, and mechanical lock/unlock capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a drive assembly; a motor operably coupled to the drive assembly via a worm secured to a shaft of the motor, wherein rotation of the drive assembly by the worm performs one of a locking function and a power release of the vehicle latch
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle latch, including: only a single motor the single motor performing a release/back drive function of the vehicle latch, power lock/unluck function of the vehicle latch, and a mechanical lock/unlock feature in the event of a power loss to the vehicle latch.