Car Door Locking with Intermediate Latch for Keyless Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing car door locking systems require a door handle for keyless access, which can lead to accidental door openings in tight spaces, potentially causing collisions, and lack enhanced security and comfort features.
Innovation Solution
A locking device that uses a latched intermediate position for the car door, with sensors accessible only in this position for a secondary operating step, allowing secure and comfortable operation without a door handle, and includes additional security measures like fingerprint authorization and automatic door movement based on defined criteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a door handle with touch sensor is used for keyless access, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to accidental door openings in tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The door opening operation is segmented into two distinct phases: first moving the door to an intermediate position, then requiring a second authorization step to complete opening. This segmentation prevents accidental full opening while maintaining ease of keyless access operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The door is first moved to an intermediate position as a preliminary action before complete opening. This intermediate position serves as a safety checkpoint where a second sensor verification is required, preventing accidental full door opening while maintaining the convenience of touch-based keyless access.
2Reliability
If a latched intermediate position is introduced, then reliability is improved by preventing accidental door openings, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A latching element is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the two door positions. This latching element automatically engages at the intermediate position and must be released by a second authorized sensor operation, providing reliable accident prevention without requiring complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The door positioning system uses self-service mechanisms where the latching element automatically engages at the intermediate position and the motor automatically returns the door to closed position if not properly opened, reducing the need for complex external control systems.
3Ease of operation
If sensors are made accessible in intermediate position, then ease of operation is improved for authorized users, but security deteriorates due to potential unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
Different sensors are placed at different locations with different access requirements. The first sensor (e.g., touch sensor in door handle) is accessible for initial authorization, while the second sensor (e.g., in door edge or panel) is only accessible when the door is in the intermediate position. This local quality differentiation ensures that both sensors must be activated in sequence, preventing unauthorized access while maintaining ease of operation for authorized users.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a locking device for car doors, especially for car doors without door handles, having an electronic control unit for the authorization of access, which is connected to one or more sensors for a first operating step, i.e. a proximity sensor, a touch sensor etc. and/or an antenna for a wireless communication, i.e. a NFC (near field communication) antenna for NFC-communication with a smart device like a smart card, a mobile phone, a smart watch, a smart key, etc., and a driven mechanical lock/or unlock unit including a latching element for latching the closed door end position.According to the invention, a latching element is provided to block an intermediate position 3 of the car door 1, wherein at least one sensor 5, 5′ is accessible and/or active in the intermediate position 3 of the car door 1 for a second operating step and not accessible and/or not, active in the closed end position 2 of the car door.