Capacitive Backup Circuit for Vehicle Door Unlock
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional mechanical vehicle locks are prone to freezing and wear, and backup battery solutions for keyless entry systems are inefficient and expensive, making it challenging to provide robust and cost-effective electronic-only access, especially in emergency scenarios when the primary access method is unavailable.
Innovation Solution
A low-power backup battery system using capacitive and resistive-capacitive circuits, coupled with a near-field communication antenna and processor, to generate and deliver charges for unlocking vehicle doors, ensuring reliable access without mechanical locks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional mechanical locks are eliminated for electronic-only access, then aesthetics and cost are improved, but reliability in emergency scenarios deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-charges capacitive circuits during normal operation when the vehicle battery is functional. This preliminary energy storage ensures that sufficient power is available to actuate the door unlock mechanism even when the battery fails during emergency scenarios, eliminating the need for expensive backup batteries while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical backup systems (manual key cylinders) and expensive chemical backup systems (backup batteries) with an electrical energy storage system using capacitive circuits. This substitution maintains electronic-only aesthetics while providing a cost-effective and reliable emergency access solution
2Reliability
If backup batteries are used to provide access in emergency scenarios, then reliability is improved, but cost and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses inexpensive capacitive circuits that can be rapidly recharged during normal operation, replacing expensive long-lived backup batteries. The capacitors serve as disposable energy storage elements that are continuously replenished, providing a cost-effective alternative to expensive backup battery systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy storage parameter from chemical energy (backup batteries) to electrical energy (capacitive circuits). This parameter change enables faster charging during normal operation and provides sufficient energy for emergency door actuation at a lower cost
3Ease of manufacture
If low current backup batteries are used, then cost is reduced, but power output deteriorates and cannot actuate the door unlock mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the energy storage function into two parts: the vehicle battery provides power during normal operation, and capacitive circuits provide the high-current burst needed for emergency door actuation. This segmentation allows the use of low-power capacitors instead of high-power backup batteries, reducing cost while maintaining sufficient power output
4Ease of manufacture
If capacitive circuits are used for emergency access, then cost and efficiency are improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the emergency energy storage function into the existing electronic access system by integrating capacitive circuits with the door unlock control module. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate backup battery systems and reduces overall system complexity despite adding capacitive components
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides a cost-effective, efficient, and reliable electronic-only access system for vehicles, eliminating the need for expensive backup batteries and mechanical locks, ensuring vehicle access even in dead battery situations.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive circuit (430) having a first time response
Implementation Method 2
a resistive-capacitive circuit (440) having a second time response
Implementation Method 3
a resistive-capacitive circuit (440) having a second time response
Implementation Method 4
an antenna (465) for receiving an authentication signal wherein the antenna is a near field communication antenna
Data Source
AI summary
The present application generally relates to battery powered door unlock mechanisms. More specifically, the application teaches an unlock system including a door unlock mechanism, a capacitive circuit having a first time response, a resistive-capacitive circuit having a second time response wherein the second time response is longer than the first time response, a battery for coupling a battery charge to the capacitive circuit and the resistive capacitive circuit in response to a door unlock authentication signal, and a relay for coupling a first charge from the capacitive circuit to the door unlock mechanism in response to the relay being activated by a second charge from the resistive-capacitive circuit after the second time response.