Single-Motor Trunk Latch Module with Bidirectional Gear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power trunk latches require two motors for locking and unlocking, leading to increased volume and difficulty in mounting due to complex internal link structures, which complicates the process and occupies more space in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A trunk latch module utilizing a single motor with a main gear, link assembly, and claw locking mechanism, coupled via a worm and worm gear, allows for both locking and unlocking, and includes an emergency open function, reducing the complexity and space requirements by using a single motor to manage both functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two motors are used for locking and unlocking the trunk, then the locking and unlocking functions are achieved, but the volume of the power trunk latch module is dramatically increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate motors into a single motor that performs both locking and unlocking functions. The motor is coupled to a main gear that can rotate in two directions, with one direction engaging the link assembly for locking and the opposite direction disengaging it for unlocking. This merging of functions reduces the number of motors from two to one, thereby dramatically reducing the volume of the power trunk latch module.
Solution Approach 2:
The single motor in the patent serves multiple functions by rotating in two opposite directions. When rotating in one direction, it drives the main gear to engage the link assembly for locking; when rotating in the opposite direction, it drives the main gear to disengage the link assembly for unlocking. This multi-functionality allows one motor to replace two separate motors, reducing overall module volume.
2Reliability
If two motors are used for locking and unlocking the trunk, then the locking and unlocking functions are achieved, but the device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of two separate motors into a single motor with bidirectional rotation capability. The main gear connected to this single motor serves as a universal component that engages with the link assembly during locking and disengages during unlocking. This consolidation reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for two separate motor control systems and their associated link structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using two motors rotating in the same direction with different mechanisms, the patent inverts the approach by using one motor that rotates in opposite directions. The main gear is designed to engage the link assembly in one rotational direction and disengage it in the opposite direction, simplifying the overall link structure by using a single reversible mechanism rather than two unidirectional mechanisms.
3Volume of stationary object
If a single motor is used for locking and unlocking, then the volume and complexity are reduced, but the motor must rotate in opposite directions to achieve both functions
Solution Approach 1:
The main gear in the patent is designed as a universal component that performs both locking and unlocking functions through bidirectional rotation. When the motor rotates the main gear in one direction, the gear teeth engage with the link assembly to lock the trunk. When rotated in the opposite direction, the gear teeth disengage from the link assembly to unlock the trunk. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall system while managing the complexity of bidirectional control through a single integrated mechanism.
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 solution enables efficient locking and unlocking of the trunk using a single motor, reducing the overall size of the module and simplifying its integration into vehicles, while providing an emergency open function, thus addressing the space and complexity issues of conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
The motor and main gear may be coupled using a worm and a worm gear to transfer power.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a trunk latch for a vehicle includes a base plate, a first locking groove in which a striker is inserted, a main gear supplied with power through a motor, a claw including a latch protrusion at an outer circumferential surface thereof, a link assembly moving in a linked manner in accordance with rotation of the main gear to transfer power to the claw, and a claw locking assembly supplied with power from the link assembly to fix or unfix movement of the claw.