Abstract: Latch control methods and systems are disclosed, including a latch that receives power from a motor associated with a latch. A sensor can be provided for monitoring the current consumption of the motor. A microcontroller can control the latch and/or the motor, based on the current consumption data received from the sensor concerning the current consumption of the motor. Monitoring of the current waveform of the motor therefore provides speed and direction feedback data for control of the latch. Additionally, a microprocessor can process instructions for controlling the interaction of the motor, the latch, the sensor and/or the microcontroller. Such a current monitoring control system is made possible by variation in current consumption of the motor during rotation as a result of commutation, which can be interrogated by measuring the voltage drop across the motor or a shunt resistor, or through the use of other current sensors, such as, for example, a Hall-effect type current sensor.

Abstract: Latch and clutch component optimization methods and systems are disclosed herein. A slider spring system can be implemented that includes a plurality of intermediate sliders driven independently by a rotating index gear, wherein each intermediate slider among the plurality of intermediate sliders comprise at least one slot (i.e., preferably two slots) for controlling movement when contacted by the rotating index gear. Such a system can also include a single spring for maintaining and retuning the plurality of intermediate sliders to a rest position after any of the intermediate sliders are moved by the rotating index gear.

Abstract: A spring apparatus can be implemented, which includes a leaf spring for use in a clutch mechanism, wherein the leaf spring is configured to avoid coil clash and end wire lengths of the leaf spring are positioned in order to center the leaf spring without additional features thereof. Bend radii and a wire diameter associated with the leaf spring. The leaf spring can be adapted for use in a centrifugal clutch and/or automobile latch.

Abstract: A methodology and system for balancing a centrifugal clutch can be implemented that includes a 3-dimensional model of a centrifugal clutch assembly in an engaged position thereof. A mass center of the centrifugal clutch assembly can be calculated, and a distance from the axis of rotation of the centrifugal clutch assembly can be determined. Thereafter, associated part features of the centrifugal clutch assembly can be modified in order to move the mass center; and repeating as necessary establishing a 3-dimensional model of a centrifugal clutch assembly in an engaged position thereof, calculating a mass center of the centrifugal clutch assembly, determining a particular distance from an axis of rotation of the centrifugal clutch assembly, and modifying part features of the centrifugal clutch assembly in order to move the mass center in order to verify the axis of rotation and thereby balance the centrifugal clutch assembly.

Abstract: A spring apparatus can be implemented, which includes a spring for use in a clutch mechanism, wherein the spring is configured to avoid coil clash and end wire lengths of the spring are positioned in order to center the clutch spring without additional features thereof. Additionally, bend radii and a wire diameter associated with the spring. Such a spring can be adapted for use in a centrifugal clutch and/or an automobile latch.

Abstract: Methods and systems for magnetically actuating latch components are disclosed herein. A door latch assembly comprising at least one latching mechanism can be provided for maintaining a door in a locked condition or an unlocked condition. One or more electromagnets can be integrated with the door latch assembly, such that the electromagnet generates one or more pulses in the form of electrical energy that can actuate the latching mechanism from a locked condition to an unlocked condition and vice versa. A pulsed electromagnet is therefore utilized such each pulse of energy applied actuates the latching mechanism a known amount. Such a configuration permits the latching mechanism to be accurately indexed from a known position to another.

Abstract: In general, a spring or spring mechanism can be associated with a latch mechanism wherein the spring is wound to a particular position thereof to store energy for dissipation and actuation of the latch mechanism. The latch mechanism is responsive to the spring, and can be actuated based on energy stored and dissipated from the spring. When required, spring energy can therefore be dissipated to actuated the latch or latch mechanism. Thus, a motor with low current consumption and suitable gearing can be utilized to apply a high force to the spring.

Abstract: A latch assembly control method and, wherein a latch assembly is integrated with a motor having at least one gear thereof for actuating a plurality of components of the latch assembly. A geartooth sensor can be associated with the latch assembly, wherein the geartooth sensor senses a position of one or more gears, wherein the gear completes less than one revolution to thereby provide a known reference point registration and calibration of the latch assembly via data collected from the geartooth sensor.

Abstract: An injection molding method and system for an electrical circuit utilized in vehicle door latch mechanisms is disclosed herein. A mold is generally provided in which a mold cavity is formed therein from walls of the mold. An electrical circuit associated with vehicle door latch and/or integrated with the vehicle door latch can be located within the mold cavity. A plastics material can then be injection molded into the mold cavity of the mold, wherein the plastics material covers and seals the electrical circuit to provide insulation and environmental protection to the electrical circuit.

Abstract: Latching systems and methods are disclosed herein. A latch mechanism includes one or more sealed areas and one or more unsealed areas thereof. Also, a magnetic coupling mechanism is provided for coupling motion between the sealed area and the unsealed area and vice versa. The magnetic coupling mechanism can be configured to include a permanent magnet which generates a magnetic field for coupling the motion from the unsealed area to the sealed area and vice versa. The magnetic coupling mechanism can also be configured to include an electromagnet for generating a magnetic field for coupling thereof.