Electrically-activated hood latch and release mechanism
US8505987B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 28, 2009 |
| Grant date | Aug 13, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 15, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T292/1082
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A latch assembly includes a latch movable between released and restrained positions and a latch spring biasing toward the released position. A first lever is movable between open and closed positions, corresponding to the released and restrained positions, respectively. A first lever spring biases toward the closed position. A second lever is movable between unlocked and locked positions, corresponding to the first lever open and closed positions, respectively. A second lever spring biases toward the locked position. An active material based actuator selectively moves the second lever from the locked to unlocked position in response to an activation signal. A primary activation mechanism selectively produces the activation signal without a mechanical connection to the passenger compartment. An auxiliary activation mechanism does not rely on the vehicle power system. A key or portable energy storage device may cause the activation signal from the primary or auxiliary activation mechanism.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.