Motor Vehicle Closure Lock Readiness Detection Using Magnetic Field Change Rate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for detecting the readiness of a motor vehicle closure element to lock are limited by the need for specific magnetic field strength values, restricting the use of weaker magnets and increasing costs, particularly when replacing magnets.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a first sensor for position detection and a second magnetic sensor connected to an electronic unit, which compares detected magnetic field signals with stored values to generate an output signal, allowing for the use of various magnetic field signals and enabling cost-effective manufacture and replacement of magnets with lower magnetic field strengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a reed switch is used to detect a specific magnetic field strength value, then the magnetic field detection is reliable, but the system requires a magnet of specific strength which restricts replacement options and increases costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from a fixed magnetic field strength threshold (reed switch) to a magnetic field change rate (dH/dt). This allows the system to detect magnets of various strengths by monitoring how quickly the field changes rather than requiring a specific field strength, thereby enabling magnet replacement with different specifications while maintaining reliable detection
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static detection method (fixed threshold reed switch) to a dynamic detection method (monitoring the rate of change of magnetic field). By evaluating dH/dt, the system can adapt to magnets with different field strengths as long as they produce a detectable change rate, providing both reliability and flexibility
2Measurement precision
If a specific magnetic field strength value is required for triggering, then the detection is precise, but weaker magnets cannot be used which increases costs and reduces usability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from absolute magnetic field strength to the rate of change of magnetic field (dH/dt). This allows the use of weaker magnets since the detection depends on the dynamic change rather than the absolute strength, reducing magnet costs while maintaining precise detection through the electronic evaluation unit that measures the change rate
3Device complexity
If a reed switch with specific magnetic field threshold is used, then the system is simple in design, but it cannot accommodate various magnetic field signals reducing versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical reed switch with an electronic magnetic sensor and evaluation unit. This substitution allows the system to process various magnetic field signals electronically by evaluating the rate of change (dH/dt), providing both simplicity in electronic design and high versatility in accommodating different magnet types and field strengths
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
Enables cost-effective detection and locking of motor vehicle closure elements using various magnetic field signals, allowing for the use of replacement magnets with lower magnetic field strengths and reducing the need for specific magnetic field strength values, thus enhancing usability and durability.
Implementation Method 1
a second magnetic sensor for detecting a magnetic field signal
Data Source
AI summary
A system (1) for detecting a readiness of a closure element (10) of a motor vehicle to lock has a first sensor (12) for detecting a position signal of the closure element (10) and a second magnetic sensor (14) for detecting a magnetic field signal (18). The first sensors (12, 14) are connected by a data link to an electronic unit (20), and the magnetic field signal (18) and the position signal are passed by a data link to the electronic unit (20). The electronic unit (20) has a memory (22) with at least one stored magnetic field signal value (24). The electronic unit (20) generates a change in the output signal when there is a positive comparison of the magnetic field signal value (24) with the detected magnetic field signal (18), and when an end position of the closure element (10) is detected.