Patent ID: 8935053
Filing Date: 2015-01-13
Classification: E05B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of controlling a hood latch on a vehicle, comprising: receiving, in a processor, an electronic request to release both a primary hood latch and a secondary hood latch holding a hood in a closed position on a vehicle, the primary hood latch configured for actuation by a primary electrical actuator as well as by a primary mechanical actuator, the secondary hood latch configured for actuation by a secondary electrical actuator as well as by a secondary mechanical actuator; in response to the electronic request, determining whether a vehicle speed associated with the vehicle is below a minimum vehicle speed threshold; in response to determining that the vehicle speed is below the minimum vehicle speed threshold, triggering by the processor, both (i) the primary electrical actuator for the primary hood latch without actuation by the primary mechanical actuator, and (ii) the secondary electrical actuator for the secondary hood latch without actuation by the secondary mechanical actuator, thereby releasing the hood from the closed position into an open position; and in response to determining that the vehicle speed is not below the minimum vehicle speed threshold, triggering by the processor, only the primary electrical actuator for the primary hood latch without actuation by the primary mechanical actuator, leaving the hood in a partially open position held in place by the secondary hood latch, wherein the hood remains in the partially open position and does not electrically actuate until the electronic request is again received when the vehicle speed is below the minimum vehicle speed threshold; wherein the primary and secondary mechanical actuators are configured for actuation of the primary and secondary hood latches regardless of the vehicle speed.