Vehicle Latch Release Assembly for Manual Opening Without Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle closure member systems require electrical power to release latches, limiting their functionality when the vehicle is powered off, which can be inconvenient or unsafe in certain situations.
Innovation Solution
A latch release assembly with an actuator that moves from a deployed to a retracted position when the vehicle is powered off, coupled with a coupler that pivots to an unlocked position, allowing the latch to be released manually, enabling the closure member to open without electrical power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an electrically powered actuator is used to release the latch, then the latch release is automated and convenient during normal operation, but the system becomes inoperable when the vehicle is powered off
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two functional segments: an electrically powered actuator for automated latch release during normal operation, and a manual release mechanism for use when power is lost. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in its optimal operating mode while ensuring overall system reliability across all conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
A coupler serves as an intermediary element that connects and coordinates the electrically powered actuator and the manual release mechanism. The coupler translates the linear motion of the actuator into rotational motion of the release mechanism, enabling both automated and manual operations to control the same latch through a unified mechanical interface.
2Reliability
If a purely manual release mechanism is used, then the system operates without electrical power, but automation and convenience during powered operation are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges an electrically powered actuator and a manual release mechanism into a single integrated latch release assembly. Both mechanisms share common components including the coupler, the release mechanism itself, and the connection to the latch, allowing the system to leverage electrical automation when available while maintaining manual capability as a backup.
Solution Approach 2:
The release mechanism is designed with multi-functionality to accommodate both automated electrical operation and manual operation. The same mechanical components (coupler, release mechanism, latch connection) serve both purposes, eliminating the need for separate systems and reducing overall complexity while ensuring reliability across different operating conditions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the actuator remains in deployed position during power loss, then the latch remains locked, but the closure member cannot be opened manually
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is designed as a dynamic component that can switch between different operational states: engaged with the actuator during powered operation, and disengaged from the actuator during power loss. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to transition from automated control to manual control, enabling the release mechanism to be operated manually when the actuator is retracted due to power loss.
Solution Approach 2:
When power is lost and the actuator retracts, the coupler is designed to automatically disengage or be manually disengaged from the actuator. This extraction of the coupler from the actuator's control allows the manual release mechanism to operate independently, enabling manual opening of the closure member even though the actuator remains in its retracted position due to power loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A device may include a closure member moveable between a closed position and an open position. A device may include a latch configured for holding the closure member in the closed position. A device may include a latch release assembly configured to release the latch to allow the closure member to be moved to the open position, wherein the latch release assembly includes an actuator moveable from a deployed position to a retracted position when the vehicle is in a powered-off state, and a coupler moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position when the actuator is in the retracted position.