Single-Motor Closure Latch Assembly for Multi-Function Door Release

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automotive door latch assemblies require multiple motors to perform multiple functions, leading to increased cost, complexity, and package size.

Innovation Solution

A power latch assembly utilizing a single motor to perform multiple functions, including moving a pawl between ratchet positions and enabling a double pull mechanical release and child lock state, through a power release gear mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple motors are used to perform multiple latch functions, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatch function versatilityVSAvoidmotor system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single motor is designed to perform multiple latch functions including power release, double pull release, and child lock through different actuation sequences and gear positions, eliminating the need for separate motors for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple motor functions are merged into a single motor unit that can execute different operations by varying the actuation sequence and gear mechanism positioning, consolidating what would traditionally require multiple separate motors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple motors are used to perform multiple latch functions, then functional versatility is improved, but package size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatch function versatilityVSAvoidlatch assembly package size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The single motor performs multiple latch functions including power release, double pull release, and child lock through different actuation sequences and gear positions, eliminating the need for separate motors for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple motor functions are merged into a single motor unit that can execute different operations by varying the actuation sequence and gear mechanism positioning, consolidating what would traditionally require multiple separate motors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple motors are used to perform multiple latch functions, then functional versatility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatch function versatilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The single motor is designed to perform multiple latch functions including power release, double pull release, and child lock through different actuation sequences and gear positions, eliminating the need for separate motors for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple motor functions are merged into a single motor unit that can execute different operations by varying the actuation sequence and gear mechanism positioning, consolidating what would traditionally require multiple separate motors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12577813B2Closure latch assembly with single motor actuator configured to control multiple latch functions

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 MAGNA CLOSURES INC

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; place the power latch assembly in a double pull mechanical release state, and place the power latch assembly in a child lock state.