Vehicle Trunk Emergency Release Coupling Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency release devices for vehicle trunks require significant actuation forces to open the trunk lock and release the arrestor hook, and lack efficient mechanisms to prevent re-engagement of the arrestor hook after use.
Innovation Solution
The emergency release device incorporates a coupling module with first and second coupling elements, where the first coupling element is connected to the arrestor device via a Bowden cable and the second coupling element is connected to the trunk lock, allowing for sequential opening of the locking device and release of the arrestor device with reduced actuation force, and includes a holding magnet to prevent re-engagement of the arrestor hook.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single Bowden cable is used to actuate both the ratchet and arrestor hook sequentially, then the device can achieve sequential opening of the trunk lock and release of the arrestor hook, but the actuation force required is significantly high
Solution Approach 1:
The single Bowden cable actuation is segmented into two separate coupling elements (first coupling element for arrestor hook, second coupling element for trunk lock) that can be independently controlled. This allows the actuation force to be divided into two smaller, manageable strokes rather than requiring one large forceful actuation to overcome both mechanisms simultaneously.
2Productivity
If the arrestor hook is released during the first stroke of the first coupling element, then the trunk lock can be opened, but the arrestor hook may re-engage during vehicle movement
Solution Approach 1:
The holding magnet is positioned to engage the arrestor hook in advance during the first stroke of the first coupling element, before the vehicle begins moving. This preliminary engagement ensures that the arrestor hook is securely held in its released position before any re-engagement risk can occur during vehicle operation.
3Reliability
If a holding magnet is added to prevent re-engagement of the arrestor hook, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding magnet replaces the need for additional mechanical latching mechanisms or complex control systems to prevent arrestor hook re-engagement. By using magnetic attraction, the system achieves reliable prevention of re-engagement with a simple, passive component that requires no additional actuators or control logic.
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 reduces the actuation force required to open the trunk lock and release the arrestor hook, ensuring safe and efficient operation, and includes mechanisms to prevent re-engagement of the arrestor hook, enhancing safety features such as automatic re-engagement when the vehicle starts moving.
Implementation Method 1
a holding magnet (54) which, upon completion of the second stroke, holds the first coupling element (20) in the second position
Implementation Method 2
the first coupling element (20) is connected with the arrestor device (4) via a Bowden cable (45)
Data Source
AI summary
An emergency release device for a trunk of a vehicle includes an arrestor device for limiting an opening movement of the trunk, a trunk lock and a coupling module including first and second coupling elements, each shiftably supported in the coupling housing, wherein the first and second coupling elements respectively operatively couple an emergency actuation device of the vehicle to the arrestor device, and an actuation device of the vehicle to the trunk lock, and are detachably coupled to each other during a first stroke of the first coupling element caused by an actuation of the emergency actuation device, wherein the first stroke causes the second coupling element to open the locking device and causes the first coupling element to perform an idle stroke relative to the arrestor device, and wherein the coupling between the first and second coupling elements is released in response to a second stroke advancing past the first stroke and is caused by the actuation of the emergency actuation device.