Sensor Actuated hood lock and method for implementing such a lock

An electromechanical lock (30) for preventing operation of a cable release mechanism (12) features a lock mechanism including an electromagnet (38). The lock mechanism is configured so as to prevent operation of the cable release when the electromagnet (38) is activated. The electromechanical lock (30) also includes a microswitch (14) mounted so as to be activated by application of tension to the operator cable (12). The microswitch (14) is electrically connected to the electromagnet (38) such that, when the operator cable (12) is free from excess tension, the microswitch (14) interrupts supply of power to the electromagnet (38) and, when tension is applied to the operator cable (12), the microswitch (14) connects the supply of power to the electromagnet (38) so as to prevent significant movement of the release cable (12). Preferably, the lock mechanism includes a selectively lockable slide (34) constructed so that pulling of the operator cable (12) causes sequentially unlocking of the slide (34) followed by an axial sliding motion of the slide (34). In this case, the electromagnet (38) is configured so that actuation of the electromagnet prevents unlocking of the slide (34).