The Low Energy Release (LER) Latch

Founded upon over 70 years of automotive latching experience, ArvinMeritor’s new LER latch range brings together robust design and proven technologies in a patented aperture solution that addresses many of the compromises the industry has taken for granted. The LER range features dramatically reduced door release and key locking efforts that operate reliably over a far wider range of seal loads. This extends up to the extreme load levels seen only in post crash.

Despite featuring a class leading weight and package size combination, the LER latch delivers greatly improved functionality at a reduced price. This was made possible by the application of an intensive Variety Reduction Program (VRP) methodology to the design and industrialization phases. The range encompasses basic manual side door latches, power locking, electrical release powered closure as well as variants for other vehicle apertures such as sliding doors and trunk or tailgates.

Additionally, the range is fully compatible with passive entry and designed specifically to minimize the systems costs of this increasingly popular function. All of the LER range is based upon the same common retention module to drive out variety costs while the latch footprints are flexible to allow multiple vehicle applications.

The principal feature of the LER latch range is the greatly reduced release efforts that enable a number of significant benefits to the OEM and end user. Easier operation means the shape and position of door handles is no longer crucial and so styling departments are granted the freedom to innovate without compromise. Similarly the feel of the handles, their “release signature,” can now be tuned for brand alignment. The steel cables that link the latch and handles can now be less expensively specified and still have the ability to operate at some of the greatly increased seal loads vehicles may experience after a collision.

The higher functionality models in the LER range feature power release that for the first time has mechanical fail-safe backup. In the event of a power failure the mechanical links are re-clutched, meaning that after battery failure or crash, the handles will still operate as a conventional latching system. When the LER power release technology is teamed with passive entry, the system price of this increasingly popular option is greatly reduced. There are significant operational advantages over conventional optical or capacitive switching systems whilst first time opening (an issue with some low-cost passive entry applications) is guaranteed. Additionally there is zero quiescent current required when the vehicle is parked.

LER also gives silent lock operation allowing the sound signatures to be tuned in the same way as the release feel. Drive lock for example can be given a different sound from parked locking. Another benefit comes from the dramatic increase in theft resistance as the conventional armory of thief’s physical attack tools are rendered useless.

The LER can be easily customized for specific options such as centralized or decentralized electronics control systems, single or double pull handle override, multiple locking logic whilst completely separate wet and dry areas of the latch give solid improvements in product robustness.
 

	Low-Energy Release Latch ArvinMeritor’s Low-Energy Release (LER) latch offers class-leading weight and package size advantages while delivering greatly-improved functionality. The range of application includes basic manual side door latches, power locking, electrical release and powered closure, as well as variants for sliding doors, trunks and tailgates. (July 2007) High-Resolution JPEG Low-Resolution JPEG
	Low-Energy Release Latch ArvinMeritor’s Low-Energy Release (LER) latch offers class-leading weight and package size advantages while delivering greatly-improved functionality. The range of application includes basic manual side door latches, power locking, electrical release and powered closure, as well as variants for sliding doors, trunks and tailgates. (July 2007) High-Resolution JPEG Low-Resolution JPEG
	Low-Energy Release Latch ArvinMeritor’s Low-Energy Release (LER) latch offers class-leading weight and package size advantages while delivering greatly-improved functionality. The range of application includes basic manual side door latches, power locking, electrical release and powered closure, as well as variants for sliding doors, trunks and tailgates. (July 2007) High-Resolution JPEG Low-Resolution JPEG
	Low-Energy Release Latch ArvinMeritor’s Low-Energy Release (LER) latch offers class-leading weight and package size advantages while delivering greatly-improved functionality. The range of application includes basic manual side door latches, power locking, electrical release and powered closure, as well as variants for sliding doors, trunks and tailgates. (July 2007) High-Resolution JPEG Low-Resolution JPEG
	Low-Energy Release Latch ArvinMeritor’s Low-Energy Release (LER) latch offers class-leading weight and package size advantages while delivering greatly-improved functionality. The range of application includes basic manual side door latches, power locking, electrical release and powered closure, as well as variants for sliding doors, trunks and tailgates. (July 2007) High-Resolution JPEG Low-Resolution JPEG