Single-Motor Power Latch Assembly for Vehicle Closures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power door latch assemblies for vehicles require multiple motors to perform multiple functions, leading to increased cost, complexity, and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A power latch assembly utilizing a single motor that is optimized for minimal size while providing sufficient power to perform multiple functions, including power release, lock, and child lock, through a ratchet and pawl mechanism with a power release gear and cams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple motors are used to perform multiple functions (power release, lock, child lock), then the functionality and reliability are improved, but the device complexity, cost, and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single power motor is designed to perform multiple functions (power release, lock, and child lock) through a multi-position rotation mechanism. The motor rotates to different positions (first position for power release, second position for lock, third position for child lock) to control different aspects of the latch assembly, eliminating the need for separate motors for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple motor functions into a single power motor unit. By integrating the control of power release, lock, and child lock operations into one motor through a shared rotation mechanism and control system, the overall device complexity is reduced while maintaining all necessary functionalities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple motors are provided for multiple functions, then the operational capability is improved, but the total package size and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single power motor is designed with multi-position rotation capability to perform multiple functions within a compact form factor. By using one motor that can rotate to different positions rather than multiple motors, the overall package size is minimized while still providing power release, lock, and child lock functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple motors are used to perform multiple functions, then the functional capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single power motor designed for multi-function operation, which reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This approach lowers manufacturing costs by eliminating redundant motor units while maintaining the capability to perform power release, lock, and child lock functions through controlled rotation to different positions.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging multiple motor functions into a single power motor unit with a shared control mechanism, the patent simplifies both manufacturing and assembly processes. The reduced component count directly translates to lower manufacturing costs and simpler assembly procedures while preserving all necessary functional capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A power latch assembly for motor vehicle closure applications has a single motor operable to move a pawl from a ratchet holding position to a ratchet releasing position and place the power latch assembly in at least one of a lock state and a child lock state.