Wireless Hood Latch Release Actuator with Safety Interlocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The secondary hood release mechanism in motor vehicles is often difficult to locate, especially in low light conditions, making it challenging to open the hood for maintenance or repairs, particularly in winter months when quick access is needed.
Innovation Solution
A wireless-based system using a key fob or smartphone with a latch release actuator and a controller that releases the secondary hood latch only when the primary latch is already released and the vehicle is stationary, allowing for convenient hood opening, and optionally releasing storage compartment latches for added functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a secondary hood release lever is concealed by the hood or vehicle body component, then the vehicle structure remains compact and clean, but the lever becomes difficult to locate especially in low light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical secondary hood release lever with an electronic control system. A wireless remote control transmits signals to an electronic actuator that operates the secondary latch, eliminating the need for a manually operable mechanical lever that would need to be visible or accessible. This substitution resolves the contradiction by making the release mechanism electronically controlled rather than mechanically exposed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electronic intermediary system between the user and the hood latch. Instead of directly manipulating a mechanical lever, the user activates a wireless remote that sends signals through an electronic control unit to an actuator. This intermediary electronic system allows the physical lever to remain concealed while providing remote activation capability.
2Ease of operation
If a wireless actuator is used to release the hood latch, then hood opening becomes convenient from outside the vehicle, but the risk of accidental activation or activation during vehicle movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary safety checks before allowing hood release. The control system first verifies that the vehicle is stationary (through brake switch or clutch switch signals) and that the transmission is in neutral or park position. Only after these preliminary conditions are confirmed does the system enable the hood release function, preventing accidental activation during vehicle operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor vehicle state before permitting hood release. Sensors detect whether the vehicle is moving, whether brakes are applied, and whether the transmission is in appropriate gear. This feedback information is used by the control unit to enable or disable the hood release function dynamically, ensuring safe operation conditions are met before allowing activation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the wireless actuator releases both hood latch and storage compartment latch, then a single actuator provides multiple functions, but the control logic becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the wireless actuator to perform multiple functions: releasing the hood latch and releasing the storage compartment latch (trunk, tailgate, or liftgate). A single wireless remote button press can trigger different release actions based on the vehicle state and programmed logic, providing universal access functionality from one interface rather than requiring separate controls for each latch.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the control logic into distinct functional paths. The control unit evaluates different conditions (vehicle stationary status, primary latch status, transmission position) and routes the wireless signal to appropriate actuators based on these segmented decision trees. This modular control approach manages complexity by dividing the control logic into separate, condition-based execution paths rather than a single complex routine.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless-based system is provided for opening the hood of a motor vehicle. That wireless-based system includes a wireless latch release actuator. Further, the wireless-based system also includes a controller. The controller is configured to release a secondary hood latch when (a) the wireless latch release actuator is activated, (b) a primary hood latch has already been released and (c) a motor vehicle wheel is stationary whereby the hood may be opened. A related hood opening method is also disclosed.