Strattec Security Corporation

Julie Zier

Michael Strole

Nicholas Schafer

A latch assembly includes a forkbolt biased to rotate in a first direction about a first pivot point, and a detent biased to rotate in a second direction about a second pivot point, the detent configured to engage with the forkbolt in at least two different positions. The latch assembly further includes a lever having a first end coupled to the detent and a second end biased toward the forkbolt. The latch assembly further includes a switch configured to detect a position of both the forkbolt and the combined lever and detent.

Latch assembly

A powered latch with manual release includes a forkbolt, a detent lever, and a powered actuator. The forkbolt is pivotable about a first axis to latch and unlatch a striker. The detent lever is pivotable about a second axis and engageable with the forkbolt to secure the forkbolt in the latched position. A power cinching lever is rotatable by the powered actuator to cinch the forkbolt to the latched position. A power release lever is rotatable by the powered actuator to release the detent lever from the forkbolt. A manual release lever is supported for rotation about a third axis and operable by a single manual rotation from outside the powered latch, without operation of the powered actuator, to both: interrupt a power transmission path between the powered actuator and the power cinching lever, and drive the detent lever to release the forkbolt.

Growing community of inventors

Milwaukee, WI, United States of America

Julie Zier