Vehicle Latch Open Assist Mechanism for Frozen Door Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle door latches with power release mechanisms often fail to transition from a latched to an open position due to freezing conditions, as ice builds up around the door, making it difficult for passengers to open the door in extreme cold temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle latch assembly featuring a remote cinching actuator, a claw, a cinching lever, a push out lever, and a clutch lever, where the push out lever can follow either a bypass path or a push out path depending on the latch position, with the clutch lever and push out lever being spring biased, allowing for assisted opening by contacting the claw to provide an opening force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional latch mechanism is used, then the door can be securely latched, but the door cannot be opened when frozen to the frame
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism incorporates a movable cam profile that changes the mechanical advantage ratio during operation. The cam transitions from a first profile during normal latching to a second profile during opening assistance, dynamically adapting the force application to overcome freezing conditions while maintaining secure latching during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary opening force through the cam mechanism before the door is fully opened. The cam profile is designed to engage and apply assisted opening force to the latch arm, preparing the door for complete opening by overcoming the frozen state in advance, rather than requiring significant force from the user after freezing occurs.
2Device complexity
If the latch mechanism is simplified, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide opening assistance in freezing conditions is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides normal latching operation, applies assisted opening force during freezing conditions, and controls the transition between these modes. This merging of functions into one element achieves opening assistance capability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam profile serves multiple purposes: it defines the latching motion path, provides mechanical advantage for normal operation, and delivers assisted opening force when needed. This multi-functionality allows the latch mechanism to handle both normal operation and freezing conditions without requiring separate dedicated components for each function.
3Force
If the latch provides strong closing force, then the door seals properly, but the latch cannot overcome frozen conditions to open the door
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism dynamically adjusts the force application characteristics based on the operational mode. During closing, the cam provides strong force to ensure proper sealing. During opening, the cam profile transitions to provide assisted opening force that overcomes freezing conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to have strong closing force without being unable to open frozen doors.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism operates in distinct phases: a closing phase that applies strong force for sealing, and an opening phase that applies assisted force to overcome freezing. The periodic transition between these phases, controlled by the cam's rotation, allows the latch to exhibit strong closing force while also being capable of opening frozen doors when the appropriate phase is activated.
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
Enables easier opening of vehicle doors in extreme cold conditions by providing an opening force to break frozen conditions, ensuring the door can be opened even when ice has built up, thus addressing the issue of doors being stuck due to freezing temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
the push out lever is spring biased towards the bypass path by a push out lever spring
Implementation Method 2
the clutch lever is spring biased into the bypass position by a clutch lever spring
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle latch assembly, including: a remote cinching actuator; and a vehicle latch, the vehicle latch including: a latch housing; a claw pivotally mounted to the latch housing; a cinching lever pivotally mounted to the latch housing; a push out lever pivotally mounted to the cinching lever; and wherein the remote cinching actuator is operably coupled the cinching lever by a cable, wherein actuation of the remote cinching actuator causes rotation of the cinching lever and during rotation of the cinching lever, the push out lever travels in one of a bypass path wherein the push out lever does not contact the claw and a push out path wherein the push out lever contacts the claw and provides an opening force to the claw.