Frunk Latch Flashcards
Our Research
Our research has identified a significant shortfall in the prior art dedicated to securing the front trunk / engine cover of passenger cars. Chevalier set out to redress this shortfall and in February 2016, introduced to the market a much needed novel technology solution.
Redefining prior art
The system introduced by chevalier redefines the prior art and offers a significant reduction in size, weight and cost entwined with a level of safety and comfort never seen before. With this Chevalier innovation, it will no longer be a struggle to open or close the front trunk of a car. The front trunk can now open, close and clinch shut by the press of a button or on approach. Having to wrestle or touch the front trunk is now a thing of the past.
Introducing new technology
Chevalier introduces the first ever Single Motor, Electrical Release and Clinch Closure System for passenger vehicle front trunk or engine cover. This system is revolutionary new. It integrates control electronics, uses a single motor and introduces a considerable number of new features and functions.
Chevalier Background
From its founding Chevalier’s primary objective has been to innovate, develop and supply products that represent a clear departure from the prior art.
For over 23 years, it has been designing innovative engineering solutions in the areas of Safety Critical Systems, Power Actuators and Control Electronics Systems.
Relying on its extensive expertise, Chevalier has excelled in entwining its large portfolio of worldwide patented innovations with the latest advances in science and engineering to produce products that are inarguably unique.
Analysis By Alix partners
“Our analysis focused.. to determine whether it could be characterized as a significant technological advancement or an incremental improvement. .. comparing it to 15 other products confirmed that the Universal Latch offers a combination of best in class features and performance coupled with a simpler design at a lower cost.” “…our analysis confirms that the Chevalier Latch is a significant advancement in the marketplace.”
- Irreducible Minimum
The principle of “Irreducible Minimum” plays a crucial role in Chevalier’s approach to design and development. Relying on this principle meant the final product could not be miniaturised further as so doing would result in compromises. The question that we faced was not only how to make the product smaller and lighter but how to maintain the known functionality and introduce new features and functions over and above the prior art.
- Digitalisation
The principle of “Irreducible Minimum” plays a crucial role in Chevalier’s approach to design and development. Relying on this principle meant the final product could not be miniaturised further as so doing would result in compromises. The question that we faced was not only how to make the product smaller and lighter but how to maintain the known functionality and introduce new features and functions over and above the prior art.
- Connectivity
The third principle adopted was to ensure the Chevalier products are adapted with the means to respond to future demands and evolution. The Chevalier products are all adapted with the capability for reprogramming in situ without the need to have access to the product or disassemble any part of the vehicle. The products can be interrogated and reprogrammed remotely from anywhere on the planet and beyond.
- Research
The fourth principle is essential and complements the first. All of our developments are instigated after an extensive examination of the prior art with the aim of determining a clear path for viable technological advancement. Our research invariably culminates in patents of invention of significant commercial and environmental benefit.
Side door latch
This latch is suitable for swing, dihedral, gullwing type doors. It is offered as standalone or as part of our comprehensive closure system. Due to its compactness and small size, it can fit in the B-pillar of passenger cars. It is a single motor self-contained latch offering features and functions many of which are not seen before.
Bonnet / Engine Closure
Compact & Lightweight Power Clinch and Electrical Release Latches . These latches are offered as standalone or as part of our comprehensive closure system. They are used for deck lid, front trunk, engine cover / bonnet and side doors.
Frunk
This particular Chevalier Front Trunk (Engine Cover) closure system is the first of its kind anywhere in the world. It is revolutionary new and relies on a single motor adapted in compact design that offers features and functions the likes of some of which has never been seen before.
Multidriver Power Actuators
The Chevalier Multi Drive Power Actuators use one single motor to supplant many. This technological advancement is particularly appreciated in today’s drive towards sustainable developments such as: eco-vehicles, weight and energy efficient products, unmanned vehicles and drones, etc.
An example of where the Chevalier Multi-drive can be used to salient advantage is in vehicle and aircraft electric seats. In such an application 3 to 12 sizable motors can be replaced with just one and yet deliver the exact same functionality with added new features.
Power Actuators
Chevalier provide a range of linear and rotary actuators that offer in a faction of the size, weight and power consumption many times the performance delivered by similar products. Thus, a Chevalier linear actuator weighing circa 80grams can drive a load of 600N which is 6 times that of any similar size actuator on the market today.
Rotary Acuators
Our Rotary Actuators are all Integrated with Control Electronics and used to power countless applications including our own clinch mechanisms. They are built to work in extreme environmental conditions and temperatures from -40 to +120 deg.C
