Vehicle Door Latch Single Motor Drive Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle door latches require a complex assembly of multiple components to perform various functions, making them less reliable and more costly, and there is a need to reduce the number of components while ensuring secure operation.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle latch design utilizing a single motor to perform power release, back drive, locking, and unlocking functions, with mechanical lock/unlock capabilities in case of power loss, incorporating a drive assembly with a power release gear, reset lever, and gear lock lever, allowing for independent movement and engagement with a cam feature for secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple motors are used to perform power release, back drive, and locking functions, then the functionality and reliability are improved, but the device complexity, packaging space, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single motor is designed to perform multiple functions including power release, back drive, and locking operations through a carefully engineered mechanism system. The motor serves as a universal actuator that can achieve different latch functions by varying the engagement state of the worm gear with the power release gear, eliminating the need for separate motors for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions between different operational modes by controlling the engagement and disengagement of the worm gear with the power release gear. The motor can switch between driving the power release function, allowing back drive for manual operation, and enabling locking functions, providing dynamic adaptability to meet different operational requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple motors are used to perform power release and locking functions, then the functionality is improved, but the packaging space and vehicle compatibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The single motor design creates a more compact latch assembly that requires less packaging space within the door structure. By consolidating multiple actuation functions into one motor unit, the overall volume of the latch assembly is reduced, making it suitable for installation in various vehicle door configurations and maintaining compatibility across different vehicle platforms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple motors are used, then the functionality is improved, but the product cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of multiple motors into a single motor unit, reducing the total component count and assembly complexity. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs by reducing the number of motors, motor mounts, electrical connections, and control systems required, while still providing comprehensive latch functionality through the integrated mechanical mechanism.
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 single-motor design simplifies the latch assembly, enhances reliability, and provides a premium user experience with electrical performance while ensuring secure operation and compatibility with various vehicles, reducing costs and component complexity.
Implementation Method 1
A vehicle latch is disclosed including: a motor operably coupled to the drive assembly via a worm secured to a shaft of the motor, wherein rotation of the drive assembly by the worm performs one of a locking function and a power release of the vehicle latch.
Implementation Method 2
a surface of the power release gear has a cam feature that engages a bumper of the gear lock lever when the drive assembly of the vehicle latch is in a locked position and the gear lock lever is in a home position.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle latch, including: only a single motor the single motor performing a release/back drive function of the vehicle latch, power lock/unluck function of the vehicle latch, and a mechanical lock/unlock feature in the event of a power loss to the vehicle latch.