Smart Latch Assembly Actuator Module Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional closure latch assemblies face challenges with environmental damage and high deceleration forces affecting electrical components and backup power devices, and the need for a standardized ECU module that can be adapted to various latch modules without increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A stand-alone standardized ECU module with a housing plate, overmolded control unit, and integrated power actuator, including an electric motor and drive pinion, is designed to be securely attached to different latch modules, providing protection against environmental elements and deceleration forces, while allowing independent testing and calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If electrical components and backup power devices are mounted to the circuit board in the ECU module, then the closure latch assembly provides powered functions, but the components are vulnerable to environmental damage and high deceleration forces
Solution Approach 1:
A fluid-tight enclosure assembly with a sealed housing protects the circuit board, electrical components, and backup power devices from environmental damage including dirt and moisture ingress, while the housing structure also provides mechanical strength to resist high deceleration forces during closure panel operation
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure assembly is designed with structural features that absorb and distribute deceleration forces before they reach the sensitive electrical components and backup power devices, protecting them from damage during high-speed closure panel movement
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated ECU module is developed for each latch module, then the ECU module can be optimized for specific functions, but the complexity and cost of development and manufacturing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ECU module is designed as a universal, standardized unit with a standardized interface that can be attached to multiple different latch modules. The enclosure assembly's attachment arrangement allows the same ECU module to be mounted on various latch module configurations, eliminating the need to develop dedicated ECU modules for each latch module type and reducing overall system complexity and development costs
3Device complexity
If the ECU module is integrated directly to the latch module, then the wiring harness can be eliminated, but the attachment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent modules: a standardized ECU module containing the circuit board, electrical components, and backup power devices, and a latch module containing the mechanical latch mechanism. The standardized interface with attachment features enables these segmented modules to be easily assembled together, eliminating the need for complex integrated manufacturing or extensive wiring harnesses while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
A closure latch assembly, comprising a latch module including a mechanism operable in a first state and in a second state, an actuator module including a power actuator for shifting the mechanism from its first state into its second state, and a control unit for controlling actuation of the power actuator, and an attachment arrangement for securing the actuator module to the latch module.