Single-Motor Front Trunk Latch for Quiet Dual-Catch Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latching systems for automotive movable panels, such as trunk lids, require two motors for operation, are noisy, consume significant packaging space, and necessitate slamming or pushing down hard for closure, while also lacking efficient safety features during vehicle motion or crashes.
Innovation Solution
A single motor-driven latching system that operates both catches to smoothly close movable panels, includes a controller for speed-dependent catch engagement, and uses a spring-biased secondary catch to avoid interference with the striker, reducing noise and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two motors are used to operate the first and second catches, then the latching system provides reliable safety features and dual latch positions, but the system becomes expensive and consumes significant packaging space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of two separate motors into a single motor that operates both the first and second catches. The motor is coupled to a common drive mechanism that can selectively engage either the first catch or the second catch, thereby reducing the number of motors from two to one while maintaining the reliability and safety functions of both catches.
Solution Approach 2:
The single motor is designed with multi-functionality to perform the roles of two separate motors. It includes a drive mechanism that can selectively operate the first catch for normal closing operations and the second catch for safety functions during vehicle motion or crashes, making one motor universal for multiple latching functions.
2Reliability
If the second catch is positioned in the path of movement of the striker with spring bias, then the striker always engages the second catch providing safety, but the closing and opening actions become noisy
Solution Approach 1:
The second catch is designed with dynamic positioning capability. During normal closing operations, the second catch can be dynamically repositioned out of the striker's path to prevent engagement and reduce noise. During safety-critical conditions (vehicle motion or crashes), the second catch is positioned in the striker's path to ensure engagement. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between reliable safety engagement and noise reduction.
3Reliability
If the user slams or pushes down hard on the trunk lid to fully close it, then the first catch engages the striker reliably, but the operation becomes difficult and potentially damaging
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by using the motor to pre-position the first catch and prepare the latching mechanism before the user closes the panel. The motor can advance the first catch into position, so that when the user gently closes the trunk lid, the first catch is already ready to engage the striker without requiring the user to slam or push down hard on the panel.
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 system achieves quiet, efficient closure with reduced packaging needs, enhanced safety during crashes, and allows gentle panel closure, while minimizing motor usage and space consumption.
Implementation Method 1
uses a spring-biased secondary catch to avoid interference with the striker
Data Source
AI summary
An automobile comprising wheels and a body has front lights, a front trunk lid above a front trunk for storing luggage, a front windscreen, a front occupant steering position, a roof, a rear windscreen, a rear hood above an internal combustion, hybrid or electrical or other drive system and rear lights, a latching system being provided in or near the front trunk and has a striker mounted to the front trunk lid and a catch system mounted to the body on mounting brackets, the latching system having a striker movable relative to first and second catches which are adapted to cooperate with the striker to limit relative movement therebetween, a single motor being provided to transmit drive through the latching system to drive both of the catches to positions in which movement of the striker is restricted by the catches.