Single Motor E-Release Latch With Double Lock And Child Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power door latch assemblies for motor vehicles face challenges in achieving reliable and efficient powered and manual override functionality, while minimizing size, cost, and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A power latch assembly that includes a power release actuator to move a power release gear from a home position to a release position, allowing a pawl to move from a ratchet holding position to a releasing position, and an outside door release mechanism to mechanically move the pawl while the power release gear is in either the home or lock position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If power actuated latch assemblies are used to provide automated locking and release functionality, then convenience and comfort features are improved, but device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power release gear serves multiple functions: it acts as both a release mechanism (when moved to release position) and a lock mechanism (when moved to lock position). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate powered lock and release mechanisms, thereby reducing component count while maintaining automated functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the powered lock and release mechanisms into a single integrated system using one power release actuator and one power release gear that performs both locking and releasing operations. This merging approach reduces the number of components compared to traditional separate mechanisms
2Reliability
If additional safety features like double lock and child lock are added to power latch assemblies, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power release gear's ability to occupy different positions (home, release, and lock positions) enables multiple locking modes (normal lock, double lock, child lock) using the same mechanical components. This multi-functionality provides enhanced safety features without adding separate mechanical structures for each mode
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic positioning of the power release gear to create different locking states. The gear can be held in different positions by the actuator to provide normal locking, double locking, or child locking modes, allowing safety features to be implemented through controlled positioning rather than additional static components
3Ease of operation
If manual override functionality is provided via outside release mechanism, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outside release mechanism is integrated with the existing power release gear mechanism. The manual release lever connects to the same gear system, allowing manual operation to move the gear between positions. This integration shares components between powered and manual systems, reducing overall complexity compared to separate mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A power latch assembly and system therewith configured for retaining a closure panel of a motor vehicle in a closed position relative to a vehicle body and for releasing the closure panel to allow the closure panel to be moved from the closed position to an open position. The power latch assembly has a double lock/child lock state, whereat actuation of an inside release mechanism does not release the closure panel for movement to the open position, and whereat actuation of an outside release mechanism permits release of the closure panel for movement to the open position.