Vehicle Closure-Panel Load Equalizer for Concurrent Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle door systems, particularly in pick-up trucks with a clamshell design, require improved load balancing and concurrent operation of multiple latches to ensure proper sealing and ease of access, especially when the B-pillar is absent, which complicates the use of remote actuators due to varying seal loads.
Innovation Solution
A load balancing mechanism using a shared actuator and load balancing mechanism to evenly distribute the actuation force between multiple latches, ensuring concurrent operation and varying travel distances based on differential resistances, allowing for seamless door closure and opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple remote actuators are used to operate multiple latches concurrently, then the door sealing reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple latch operations into a single actuator system. The load balancing mechanism integrates multiple links (first link, second link) that connect a single actuator to multiple latches, allowing concurrent operation of multiple latches through one actuator rather than requiring separate actuators for each latch.
Solution Approach 2:
The load balancing mechanism serves as an intermediary between the single actuator and multiple latches. It includes balancing elements that distribute the actuation force appropriately to each latch, ensuring proper sealing while managing the complexity through a centralized control mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If the B pillar is eliminated to improve accessibility, then the ease of operation is improved, but the structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the door structure by eliminating the B pillar and using multiple latches distributed at different positions (upper and lower latches) to maintain structural integrity. The door is divided into sections that can be secured independently by multiple latches working concurrently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the latching parameters by using multiple latches with different travel distances and resistance characteristics. The load balancing mechanism adjusts the actuation parameters for each latch to compensate for the absence of the B pillar, ensuring proper sealing without requiring the traditional structural support.
3Reliability
If multiple latches are used to maintain sealing without B pillar, then the door sealing reliability is improved, but the actuation force required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load balancing mechanism incorporates balancing elements that act as counterweights to the actuation forces. These balancing elements offset the resistance forces encountered by each latch, reducing the net force that the actuator must provide to operate multiple latches concurrently.
Solution Approach 2:
The load balancing mechanism creates equipotential conditions by equalizing the effective actuation force delivered to each latch. The balancing elements adjust the force distribution so that each latch receives appropriate actuation force regardless of differences in their resistance characteristics, making the system easier to operate.
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 provides enhanced safety, comfort, and convenience by ensuring proper door sealing and ease of access with reduced manual interaction, accommodating varying seal loads and actuation forces across multiple latches.
Implementation Method 1
a lever mounted to the housing at a pivot such that the lever is pivotable about the pivot; an actuator mounting point on the lever connecting the lever to the actuator, the actuator for rotating the lever about the pivot
Implementation Method 2
a load balancer element mounted on the lever at an axis and rotatable about the axis, such that each of the respective pair of links is positioned on opposite sides of the axis
Data Source
AI summary
A load balancing mechanism for controlling concurrent operation of a pair of latches of a vehicle via a respective pair of links connecting the pair of latches to an actuator, the actuator for sharing by the pair of latches, the load balancing mechanism comprising: a housing for connecting to a body of the vehicle; a lever mounted to the housing at a pivot such that the lever is pivotable about the pivot; an actuator mounting point on the lever connecting the lever to the actuator, the actuator for rotating the lever about the pivot; and a load balancing element mounted on the lever at an axis and rotatable about the axis, such that each of the respective pair of links is positioned on opposite sides of the axis, said each of the respective pair of links for coupling to a corresponding one of the pair of latches; wherein operation of the actuator causes both rotation of lever about the pivot and rotation of the load balancing element about the axis while the pair of latches are operated concurrently. A power cinch system and a power release system can be included.