Power door latch method and apparatus
AssigneeIndependent Mobility Systems, Inc.
InventorsWilliam H. Giroux, Jr., Charles E. Johnson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A power door latch that eliminates the need to slam a door and that also allows the required two stage lock to engage. The OEM striker once engaged is driven toward the door frame in a linear motion, by a reversible electric motor that drives an acme screw within the drive housing. Adjustable limit switches detect full closure and full open to activate and deactivate the motor. A mechanical delay is incorporated within the drive housing to allow the engagement of the two stage lock mechanism. The power door latch can be used with any OEM striker in most vehicles. Additionally, the power door latch can be manually engaged in the event of a power failure.
Claims12
A power door closing mechanism for use with an original equipment latch mechanism on motor vehicle doors comprising:
- a reversible D.C. motor;
- and
- a housing adapted to be affixed to the motor vehicle door frame comprising:
- a drive apparatus powered by said D.C. motor;
- a rotating structure driven by said drive apparatus;
- a means for changing rotational movement in said rotating structure into linear movement in a linear structure;
- a striker affixed to said linear structure;
- and
- a mechanical delay means for allowing the striker to remain stationary after rotation of the rotating structure begins so as to allow adequate time for the latch mechanism to fully engage with the striker before linear movement of the striker begins.
A method of closing a door using a power door closing mechanism for use with an original equipment latch mechanism on motor vehicle doors, the method comprising the steps of:
- a) activating a reversible D.C. motor;
- b) rotating a structure with the D.C. motor;
- c) changing a rotational movement of the rotating structure into linear movement in a linear structure;
- and
- d) operating a mechanical delay means for delaying a start of the linear movement for a predetermined amount of time to allow adequate time for the latch mechanism to fully engage with a striker affixed to the linear structure before the linear movement begins.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.