Single Motor Power Latch Assembly for Double Pull and Child Lock

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automotive door latch systems require multiple motors to perform multiple functions, leading to increased cost, complexity, and power demand, as well as larger package size.

Innovation Solution

A power latch assembly utilizing a single motor that can perform multiple functions, including moving a pawl between ratchet holding and releasing positions, and placing the latch in double pull lock and child lock states, through a mechanism involving a power release gear and linkages that allow for lost-motion operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple motors are used to perform multiple functions (power release, double lock, child lock), then the functionality and reliability are improved, but the device complexity, cost, and package size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple functionsVSAvoidmultiple motors

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single motor is designed to perform multiple functions including power release, double lock, and child lock operations through a unified actuation mechanism. The motor drives a common output shaft that can selectively engage different locking mechanisms, allowing one component to replace what would traditionally require multiple dedicated motors for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple motor functions into a single motor unit with a shared output shaft and integrated control system. The output shaft serves as a common drive element that can be selectively coupled to different locking mechanisms (double lock, child lock, power release) through clutch mechanisms, merging what would traditionally be separate motor assemblies into one unified device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple motors are used to perform multiple functions, then the reliability is improved, but the power demand and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple functionsVSAvoidpower demand

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The single motor is designed to perform multiple functions including power release, double lock, and child lock operations through a unified actuation mechanism. The motor drives a common output shaft that can selectively engage different locking mechanisms, allowing one component to replace what would traditionally require multiple dedicated motors for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple motors are used to perform multiple functions, then the functionality is improved, but the package size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple functionsVSAvoidpackage size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple motor functions into a single motor unit with a shared output shaft and integrated control system. The output shaft serves as a common drive element that can be selectively coupled to different locking mechanisms (double lock, child lock, power release) through clutch mechanisms, merging what would traditionally be separate motor assemblies into one unified device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The latch assembly employs a nested arrangement where the single motor unit is positioned centrally and the different locking mechanisms (double lock, child lock, power release) are arranged around or within the motor housing. The output shaft extends through the assembly with selective engagement points, allowing compact integration of multiple functions in a nested configuration that minimizes overall package volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS20230112684A1Power release latch assembly with double pull and power child lock

Publication Date: 2023.04.13 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.