A vehicle door striker release assembly and method thereof

Abstract

A vehicle door striker release assembly and method thereof [0058] The present invention discloses a vehicle door striker release assembly for automatic emergency door release to enhance occupant safety. The striker release assembly (100) comprises a striker (101) mounted on a cabin panel (102) with fasteners (103) secured by the locking plates (104). Multiple recesses (105) in the cabin panel allow the fasteners (103) to move during release. A spring element (106) biases the fasteners (103) away from the panel (102) to disengage the striker (101). A motor unit (107) with a cam-profiled motor shaft (108), controlled by a microcontroller (109), activates upon receiving signals from sensors (110). The motor rotation separates the locking plates (104), releasing the fasteners (103) to disengage the striker (101).

Specification

Description:Preamble to the Description

[0001] The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Technical field of the invention
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of vehicle safety systems, specifically to automated mechanisms for emergency release of door assemblies in the vehicles. More particularly, the present invention concerns a vehicle door striker release assembly to automatically disengage during impact, fire, or other critical emergency situations, enabling easy door opening and rapid occupant evacuation without manual intervention.
Background of the invention
[0003] In automotive safety, occupant evacuation during emergencies such as accidents, fires, or rollovers is a critical concern. Conventional vehicle door mechanisms are designed to provide secure closure during normal conditions but can hinder quick evacuation in emergencies. In severe accidents, vehicle doors may become jammed due to impact forces, structural deformation, or compromised door latches, making it difficult for occupants to exit or for rescuers to access the vehicle. Consequently, occupants often struggle to open the doors, and rescuers may resort to breaking windows or forcibly prying doors open, which requires substantial manual effort and time, potentially risking further injury or delay in assistance.
[0004] Existing solutions generally lack an automated mechanism that can reliably release the door latch or striker assembly during emergency conditions. Some systems require manual release efforts or are dependent on complex mechanical overrides that may fail under high-impact conditions or when subjected to heat. Additionally, current latch mechanisms are not designed with features to disengage automatically upon receiving an emergency signal, such as a crash sensor input. The lack of an automatic release mechanism poses a significant drawback in emergency scenarios, where every second is crucial for occupant safety.
[0005] Some systems employ basic sensors to detect collision events, but they are primarily designed to activate safety features such as airbags rather than facilitate door release. Furthermore, these systems lack integration with a controlled motorized release mechanism for the door striker. The absence of a fully automated and sensor-driven mechanism for releasing the door striker hinders the efficiency of occupant evacuation during emergencies. Additionally, many conventional systems have limited durability and are susceptible to failure after repeated use or under adverse conditions, making them unreliable in critical situations. The dependency on external power sources or complex manual overrides further complicates their operation and may delay occupant egress, especially in high-stress or life-threatening scenarios.
[0006] Several attempts have been made to address the challenges associated with emergency evacuation in vehicles. For instance, the Patent Application No. JP5966613B2 titled "Vehicle Door" discloses a vehicle door assembly that enhances impact response and safety. The vehicle door includes a door panel with front and rear members that secure the door panel to the vehicle body. Each member comprises a vehicle body side member attached to the vehicle frame and a door side member affixed to the door panel, interlocking with the vehicle body side member. At least one of these members features a hinge mechanism that maintains a fixed longitudinal position during normal conditions but releases upon impact, allowing relative movement in the vehicle's front-rear direction. The assembly incorporates a first and second hole in the vehicle body and door side members, respectively, through which a hinge pin is inserted. At least one hole is elongated along the vehicle's longitudinal axis, with a gap that accommodates a fastening member, designed to disengage upon impact. This allows the door to move relative to the vehicle body in response to force, aiding in energy absorption and potentially facilitating passenger egress.
[0007] The Patent Application No. EP4112853A1 titled "A redundancy system for a vehicle door lock, a vehicle comprising the redundancy system, and a method for operating a redundancy system" discloses a redundancy system for a vehicle door lock. The redundancy system comprises a body attached to a vehicle body structure of a vehicle and a striker releasably connected to the body. An outer end of the striker is configured for interacting with a locking unit of a vehicle door for releasably connecting the vehicle door to the vehicle body structure. The body comprises a passage for receiving an inner end of the striker. The inner end of the striker is extending through a structural part of the vehicle body structure from an outer side of the structural part to an inner side of the structural part when connected to the body.
[0008] The Patent Application No. EP1550784A1 titled "Striker drive assembly for a motor vehicle door lock" discloses a key collar support, a key collar, two cams and a drive unit with a motor and gearing. The key collar is arranged on the support. The cams are driven by the drive unit which can be controlled by a control unit arranged centrally in a vehicle or decentralized on the drive component. Preferred Features: The key collar support is arranged in or on a housing and the drive unit is arranged in or on the housing. Stop buffers are provided in the housing for the key collar support.
[0009] The Patent Application No. EP0897444B1 titled "Vehicle door locking system" discloses a vehicle door locking system including a latch mechanism having a locked condition and an open condition, an external manually operable control for moving the latch mechanism from its locked condition to its open condition, an internal manually operable control for moving the latch mechanism from its locked condition to its open condition, coupling means associated with said internal and external controls and said latch mechanism, and a control arrangement associated with the coupling means, said coupling means comprising a first controllable coupling means having an operative state in which the external manually operable control is linked, for release movement, to the latch mechanism so as to be able to move the latch mechanism from the locked condition to the open condition, and having an inoperative state in which release movement of the external control is not transmitted to the latch mechanism.
[0010] The Patent Application No. EP4273354A1 titled "Striker apparatus including a breakable striker support and a strap" discloses a striker apparatus, a latching system, a tailgate system, a split tailgate system, and a vehicle. The striker apparatus is for the latching system for a closure of the vehicle. The striker apparatus comprises a striker assembly comprising a striker and a striker support configured to secure the striker to a structural portion of the vehicle, wherein the striker support comprises a mechanical fuse configured to release a detachable portion of the striker assembly including the striker from the structural portion of the vehicle, upon application of a predetermined load. The striker apparatus further comprises a strap configured to tether the detachable portion of the striker assembly including the striker to a vehicle fixing point, wherein the strap is of a length to restrict opening of the closure when the mechanical fuse of the striker support breaks due to application of the predetermined load while the striker remains latched to a latch apparatus of the latching system.
[0011] The Patent Application No. US2023272645A1 titled "Method of controlling electric latch for door of vehicle" discloses a method of controlling an electric latch, installed on a door of a vehicle, to lock or unlock the door by being operated by a motor, the method comprising operating an inner button configured to enable a passenger to get off the vehicle; determining whether there is an error in a state where the vehicle has been started; determining whether a vehicle speed of the vehicle is input to a control unit; and, when the vehicle speed is not input, inducing an emergency lever to guide a use of the emergency lever.
[0012] The Patent Application No. EP3770363A1 titled "Motor-driven door latch for vehicle" discloses a motor-driven door ratchet includes a catch part configured to lock a vehicle door to a vehicle body by being caught by a striker mounted on the vehicle body. A door locking and release part includes a main motor and is configured to allow the catch part to be locked or released from the striker. An inside emergency operation lever is connected to an inside handle installed in the vehicle door and is configured to be rotated by receiving a manipulation force to allow the vehicle door to be opened by applying torque to the catch part. An outside emergency operation lever is connected to an outside handle installed in the vehicle door and is configured to be rotated by receiving a manipulation force to allow the vehicle door to be opened by applying torque to the catch part.
[0013] As a result, there is a need for an automated door release mechanism integrating multiple sensors for detecting crash and high-temperature conditions, activating a motorized release of the door striker assembly without requiring manual intervention, thereby enhancing safety of the occupants by facilitating rapid and unobstructed vehicle exit during emergencies.
Summary of the invention
[0014] The present invention addresses the limitations of existing vehicle door mechanisms by disclosing an automated door striker release assembly to improve occupant safety during the emergencies, such as vehicle crashes or high-temperature events. In typical accident scenarios, manual intervention is often required to forcibly open vehicle doors, that leads to delays and additional risk for passengers and rescuers. The present invention overcomes this challenge by enabling automatic release of the door striker assembly upon detecting specific emergency conditions.
[0015] The invention comprises a latch system with an integrated striker release assembly. The striker release assembly further comprises a striker securely mounted to a cabin panel using a set of mounting fasteners, that are locked in place by a pair of spring-loaded locking plates. The locking plates hold the fasteners in a closed position to ensure that the striker remains engaged with the door under normal conditions, maintaining door security and integrity. Each fastener has a stepped profile that mates with corresponding recesses in the locking plates, ensuring a secure lock when the locking plates are in their closed position.
[0016] In the event of a crash or a fire, a microcontroller, in communication with crash and temperature sensors, receives multiple input signals indicating an emergency condition. Upon receiving such signal, a microcontroller activates a motor connected to a cam-shaped motor shaft. As the shaft rotates, the motor pushes the locking plates apart, causing the fasteners to disengage from their locked position. This action releases the striker from the cabin panel, allowing the door to swing open freely.
[0017] Additionally, the assembly incorporates a spring positioned between the striker and the cabin panel. The spring applies a biasing force that automatically pushes the striker away from the cabin panel once the fasteners are released, ensuring that the door opens without requiring further manual effort. By automating the release of the striker assembly, the present invention reduces the time and effort needed to extract occupants from the vehicle in emergencies, enhancing the speed and efficiency of rescue operations.
[0018] An automated door release assembly responds instantly to emergency signals, allowing doors to open without manual intervention, providing a reliable, sensor-driven mechanism that automatically disengages the door striker, facilitating swift and safe evacuation during life-threatening scenarios.
Brief Description of drawings
[0019] Figure 1 illustrates a latch system with an integrated striker release assembly, to provide a secure engagement between a striker and a cabin panel of a vehicle, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0020] Figure 2a-2b illustrates a detailed view of the motor shaft with cam profile, locking plates, and resilient members, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0021] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the fastener employed in the vehicle door striker release assembly, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0022] Figure 4a illustrates the operation of the vehicle door striker release assembly, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0023] Figure 4b illustrates a cover plate housing the locking plate, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
[0024] Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart of a method for automatic release of a vehicle door striker in response to emergency conditions, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.


Detailed description of the invention
[0025] In order to more clearly and concisely describe and point out the subject matter of the claimed invention, the following definitions are provided for specific terms, which are used in the following written description.
[0026] The term "Striker Release Assembly" refers to the mechanism that secures the door to the vehicle body through fasteners and is designed to release automatically upon receiving emergency signals, allowing the door to open with minimal manual effort.
[0027] The term "Fastener" refers to a securing component that attaches the striker to the cabin panel and engages with locking plates to hold the striker in place under normal conditions.
[0028] The term "Locking Plate" refers to a pair of sliding plates housed within a cover plate that lock the fasteners, securing the striker assembly to the cabin panel. During an emergency, these plates are moved apart by a cam-driven motor mechanism to release the fasteners.
[0029] The term "Cam-profiled Motor Shaft" refers to a motorized component with a cam profile that, when activated by the microcontroller, rotates to push the locking plates apart, thereby releasing the fasteners and disengaging the striker assembly from the cabin panel.
[0030] The term "Spring-Loaded Mechanism" refers to a resilient component positioned between the cabin panel and the striker assembly. Upon release of the locking plates, this spring mechanism exerts force to push the striker assembly away from the cabin panel, allowing the door to open.
[0031] The term "Cover Plate" refers to a housing structure that contains the locking plates and resilient members. It provides structural support and alignment for the sliding movement of the locking plates.
[0032] The term "Crash Sensor" refers to a sensor integrated into the vehicle that detects impact forces indicative of a collision and sends a signal to the microcontroller to initiate emergency actions, such as releasing the striker assembly.
[0033] The term "Temperature Sensor" refers to a sensor configured to detect high temperatures within or near the vehicle cabin, particularly during fire incidents, and to communicate with the microcontroller to activate the striker release mechanism.
[0034] The present invention discloses an automated striker release assembly for vehicle doors, to enhance the safety and efficiency of passenger extraction in emergency situations. Specifically, the invention addresses the problem of door failures during accidents, fire, or other impact scenarios, where occupants may struggle to exit the vehicle due to jammed or locked door mechanisms. The present invention incorporates a striker mounted on the cabin panel through a pair of fasteners. The fasteners are secured in place by spring-loaded sliding locking plates, that lock the fasteners during normal operation.
[0035] Further, the striker release assembly employs a crash sensor and a temperature sensor to detect emergency conditions, such as a collision or fire. Upon activation, these sensors send signals to a microcontroller, which drives a motor to rotate a cam profiled motor shaft. The cam profiled shaft separates the locking plates, releasing the fasteners and disengaging the striker from the cabin panel. This action allows the vehicle door to be opened without the need for manual intervention, enabling the rapid extraction of passengers.
[0036] The assembly incorporates a spring-loaded mechanism that assists in pushing the striker away from the cabin panel once the fasteners are released. The motor, controlled by the microcontroller, ensures that the locking plates are separated quickly and reliably, making the door accessible for emergency responders or passengers to exit the vehicle. Additionally, the assembly is designed for easy maintenance and reusability, ensuring that the door is securely closed again after the emergency situation is resolved.
[0037] The assembly provides a foolproof, automated solution to open vehicle doors in critical situations, reducing the time, effort, and manual actions required to rescue occupants. The invention is easily integrable into existing vehicle designs with minimal modification, ensuring compatibility with modern automotive safety standards.
[0038] FIGURE 1 illustrates a latch system with an integrated striker release assembly, to provide a secure engagement between a striker and a cabin panel of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The latch system comprises a motor unit (107), a microcontroller (109), a pair of slidable locking plates (104), multiple resilient members (113), a spring element (106), and an integrated striker release assembly (100), that together form a robust and automated locking and release mechanism for a vehicle door. Further, a striker (101) is mounted to the cabin panel (102) using multiple mounting fasteners (103), that interacts with the latch system to securely lock the door. Further, the locking plates (104) housed within a cover plate (108) engage the striker (101) to maintain the locked position. The locking plates (104) are preloaded with multiple resilient members (113), such as springs, to keep the locking plates (104) in a locked position, preventing unintended disengagement of the striker (101) during normal operation. Furthermore, the motor unit (107), directed by the microcontroller (109), controls the locking and release functions, allowing secure and automated operation.
[0039] In an embodiment of the present invention, multiple recesses (105) are formed in the cabin panel (102) to accommodate the respective fasteners (103) and facilitate their movement during disengagement. This configuration ensures that the fasteners (103) disengage smoothly when required, enhancing the overall functionality and reliability of the latch system. The recesses (105) are precisely positioned to align with the fasteners (103), thereby supporting controlled release and preventing unintended movement of the fasteners (103) during normal operation. Further, the locking plates (104) are symmetrical sliding components, and structured to align precisely, forming slots that secure the fasteners (103) when the locking plates (104) are engaged or in a closed position. This configuration ensures that the fasteners (103) are reliably secured when the locking plates (104) are engaged, preventing unintentional movement and maintaining stable door locking while allowing smooth disengagement when required.
[0040] FIGURE 2a illustrates a detailed view of the motor shaft with cam profile, locking plates, and resilient members, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The striker release assembly (100) comprises the motor unit (107) positioned adjacent to the striker clamping arrangement and is configured to move the locking plates (104) between locked and unlocked positions. The motor unit (107) comprises a motor shaft (108) with a cam profile, configured to rotate and push the locking plates (104) apart when required. Subsequently, the motor shaft (108) as shown in figure 2b, upon activation by the microcontroller (109), rotates to engage or disengage the striker (101) from the cabin panel (102). The microcontroller (109) receives multiple signals from a sensor (110), triggering the motor unit (107) to operate and thereby initiating the release of the striker (101) when emergency conditions are detected. Furthermore, the resilient members (113) ensure that the locking plates (104) remain firmly engaged until an external force, supplied by a cam profiled motor shaft (108), moves them apart.
[0041] Furthermore, the spring element (106) facilitates the resetting of the locking plates (104) to their original locked position after being displaced by the cam-profiled motor shaft (108). The spring element (106) ensures that the striker release assembly (100) is prepared for re-engagement following each release, enabling the striker (101) to be securely re-engaged within the latch system after disengagement.
[0042] In an embodiment of the invention, the spring element (106) apply a biasing force on the fasteners (103), pushing them away from the cabin panel (102), when the striker (101) is released. The biasing force helps facilitate the translation movement of the fasteners (103) as they disengage from the locking plates (104), that are engaged in a closed position to secure the striker (101) to the cabin panel (102).
[0043] In an embodiment of the invention, multiple mounting brackets provide a secure connection between the motor unit (107) and the cabin panel (102). These mounting brackets ensure that the motor unit (107) remains firmly in place, preventing unwanted movement or misalignment during operation. The mounting brackets hold the motor at the appropriate position and orientation to allow precise activation of the locking mechanism.
[0044] FIGURE 3 illustrates a perspective view of the fastener employed in the vehicle door striker release assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The fasteners (103) securely affix the striker (101) to the cabin panel (102). Each fastener (103) is mounted to the striker (101) and extends through corresponding openings or slots in the cabin panel (102). The fasteners (103) engage with locking plates (104), thereby retaining the striker (101) in a fixed position relative to the cabin panel (102) during normal operation. Further, the fasteners (103) are configured with a stepped profile, that interacts with the locking plates (104) when in the engaged position. The stepped profile ensures a secure connection between the striker (101) and cabin panel (102), preventing unintended separation under normal conditions. Furthermore, the fasteners (103), mounted on the striker (101), work in conjunction with the locking plates (104), the motor unit (107), and the spring element (106) to ensure the efficient release of the striker (101) in response to emergency conditions, facilitating the automatic door opening mechanism.
[0045] FIGURE 4a illustrates the operation of the vehicle door striker release assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Initially, as shown in (401), the striker (101) is securely positioned against the cabin panel (102), with the fasteners (103) locked in place by the locking plates (104). The spring-loaded locking plate (104) ensures that the fasteners (103) remain secured, preventing accidental release under normal operating conditions. Further, as shown in (402), once assembled, the striker (101) reaches a fully engaged position. As the locking plates (104) are inserted into the striker release assembly (100), the spring-loaded locking plates (104) expand outward, applying a pre-load that keeps the striker (101) securely in place. In this engaged position, the striker (101) is held tightly against the cabin panel (102), maintaining alignment and stability to withstand vehicle vibrations and regular use forces.
[0046] Furthermore, as shown in (403), upon the occurrence of an emergency condition, such as a collision or excessive temperature, the sensor (110), including a crash sensor and a temperature sensor, detects the relevant change in the environment. The sensor (110) transmits multiple signals to the microcontroller (109), indicating the need for an emergency release. The microcontroller (109) processes the signal from the sensor (110) and activates the motor unit (107) in response, causing the striker locking mechanism to rotate in a clockwise direction. The activation of the motor unit (107) causes the motor shaft (108) to rotate, which in turn rotates the motor shaft (108). Further, the motor shaft (108) cause the separation of the locking plates (104), thereby releasing the engagement of the fasteners (103) from the locking plates (104). Once the fasteners (103) are released, the striker (101) becomes disengaged from the cabin panel (102). Further, the striker (101) is free to move, allowing the vehicle door to open automatically without the need for manual intervention.
[0047] In an embodiment, the locking plates (104) comprises a central opening (112) to accommodate the motor shaft (108) as shown in figure 4b. Upon activation of the motor unit (107), rotation of the motor shaft (108) causes separation of the locking plates (104), thereby disengaging and releasing the fasteners (103) from their locked position. This configuration enables controlled release of the striker (101) from the cabin panel (102) in response to emergency signals.
[0048] FIGURE 5 illustrates a flowchart of a method for automatic release of a vehicle door striker in response to emergency conditions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The method (500) comprises the steps of detecting an emergency condition identified through the sensor associated with the vehicle, such as a crash sensor to detect collision events or a temperature sensor to detect an elevated temperature in step (501). Upon sensing such a condition, the sensor generates a signal indicating the presence of an emergency. Further, in step (502), the sensor transmits the generated emergency signal to the microcontroller. Further, upon receiving the signal, the microcontroller activates the motor unit, causing the motor shaft with a cam profile to rotate in step (503). Further, in step (504) the rotation of the motor shaft results in the separation of the locking plates. Further, as the locking plates disengage the fasteners, a spring element positioned between the fasteners and the cabin panel exerts a biasing force on the fasteners, pushing them away from the panel, causing the striker to release from its secured position in step (505). Furthermore, in step (506) the striker is disengaged, and the door is now capable of opening without manual intervention, thereby facilitating quick exit from the vehicle and enhancing safety during emergencies.
[0049] In an embodiment of the present invention, releasing the striker further comprises activating an alert mechanism to notify occupants of the emergency release. The alert mechanism enhances the safety response and facilitates timely evacuation by providing immediate awareness of the release event to vehicle occupants.
[0050] Having generally described this invention, a further understanding can be obtained by reference to a specific example, which is provided herein for the purpose of illustration only and is not intended to be limiting unless otherwise specified.
Example 1: Demonstrative Illustration of Usage of Proposed Invention
[0051] In a practical application of the present invention, the vehicle door striker release assembly (100) is installed in an automotive door system designed to enable automatic emergency release of the door.
[0052] Upon detecting an emergency condition, such as a high-impact collision or a rapid increase in cabin temperature, the sensor (110) generates a signal and transmits it to the microcontroller (109). The microcontroller (109) then activates the motor unit (107), that rotates the motor shaft (108). As the motor shaft (108) rotates, the locking plates (104) separate, releasing the fasteners (103) that secure the striker (101) to the cabin panel (102).
[0053] Once released, the spring element (106) biases the fasteners (103) away from the cabin panel (102), allowing the striker (101) to disengage completely. This action frees the door, permitting it to open without manual intervention, thereby facilitating a rapid exit for the occupants.
[0054] The present invention provides several notable advantages in enhancing vehicle occupant safety and emergency response efficiency. Specifically, the vehicle door striker release assembly (100) autonomously release the door striker (101) upon detection of emergency conditions, such as a collision or a rapid increase in cabin temperature, detected through integrated sensors (110). The automated release function minimizes the requirement for manual intervention, allowing for rapid and unimpeded evacuation by vehicle occupants during critical situations.
[0055] Further, the incorporation of an alert mechanism that actively notifies occupants of the emergency release. The alert enhances occupant awareness of the emergency condition and also expedites the evacuation process by reducing reaction time, thereby improving overall safety response.
[0056] Additionally, the striker release assembly (100) features spring-biased fasteners (103) and the locking plate (104), ensuring a controlled and reliable disengagement of the striker (101). The spring element (106) exerts a biasing force, facilitating disengagement only under specified emergency conditions, thereby mitigating any risk of unintentional door release during normal operation. The controlled release mechanism enhances the structural integrity and safety of the striker release assembly (100), particularly in high-stress environments.
[0057] Moreover, the striker release assembly (100) is equipped with a motor-driven release system activated by a microcontroller (109). This microcontroller (109) governs the motor shaft's (108) rotation in response to emergency signals, enabling precise control over the release timing. The integration of these components provides adaptability to various vehicle configurations, making the striker release assembly (100) applicable across different automotive safety systems and adaptable to diverse emergency scenarios, ensuring durability and consistent performance. The use of multiple resilient members (113) and a robust mounting mechanism for the striker (101) enhances the assembly's longevity, maintaining secure engagement even under harsh conditions.




Reference numbers:
Components Reference Numbers
Striker release assembly 100
Striker 101
Cabin panel 102
Fasteners 103
Locking plates 104
Recesses 105
Spring element
106
Motor unit 107
Motor shaft 108
Microcontroller 109
Sensors 110
Cover plate 111
Central opening 112
Resilient members 113
, Claims:We claim:
1. A vehicle door striker release assembly, the striker release assembly (100) comprising:
a. a striker (101) mounted on a cabin panel (102) using one or more fasteners (103), each fastener (103) with a first end attached to the striker (101) and a second end configured to engage with one or more locking plates (104) to securely fix the striker (101) to the cabin panel (102);
b. plurality of recesses (105) formed in the cabin panel (102), to facilitate movement of the respective fasteners (103) during disengagement, enabling the release of the striker release assembly (100) from the locked position;
c. a spring element (106) disposed between each fastener (103) and the cabin panel (102), to exert a biasing force on the fasteners (103) away from the cabin panel (102); and
d. a motor unit (107) comprising a motor shaft (108) with a cam profile controlled by a microcontroller (109) responsive to one or more signals from at least one sensor (110), wherein the microcontroller (109) is configured to activate the motor unit (107) upon detection of an emergency condition, causing the motor shaft (108) to rotate, release the fasteners (103), and disengage the striker (101) from the cabin panel (102).

2. The striker release assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensors (110) includes a crash sensor to detect a collision event, a temperature sensor to detect a temperature above a specified threshold and provides the signal to the microcontroller (109) for emergency activation.



3. The striker release assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking plates (104) are symmetrical, sliding components housed within a cover plate (111) and structured to align and form recesses (105) that secure the fasteners (103) when the locking plates (104) are engaged or in a closed position.

4. The striker release assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each fastener (103) comprises a stepped profile configured to engage with the locking plates (104), when the locking plates (104) are in the closed position.

5. The striker release assembly (100) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the locking plates (104) comprise a central opening (112) configured to receive the motor shaft (108), wherein rotation of the motor shaft (108) separates the locking plates (104), thereby releasing the fasteners (103).

6. A method for automatic release of a vehicle door striker in response to one or more emergency conditions, the method (200) comprising the steps of:
a. detecting an emergency condition using at least one sensor associated with the vehicle;
b. transmitting one or more signals from the sensor to a microcontroller;
c. activating a motor upon receiving the signal, wherein the motor rotates a cam profiled motor shaft;
d. separating one or more locking plates by rotation of the motor shaft, thereby releasing the fasteners securing the striker to the cabin panel;
e. allowing a spring element positioned between the fasteners and the cabin panel to push the fasteners away from the cabin panel, causing the striker to disengage; and
f. enabling a door to be opened without manual intervention following the release of the fastener.

7. The method (200) as claimed in claim 6, wherein releasing the striker further comprises activating an alert mechanism to inform occupants of the emergency release, enhancing the safety response and assisting in timely evacuation.

Documents