Door Position Sensing via Accelerometer Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power closure member actuation systems for vehicles face challenges in accurately sensing the absolute position of doors, leading to difficulties in controlling their movement efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates an inclination sensor to detect the initial and current inclination of doors, allowing the power actuator to operate based on the determined position, eliminating the need for absolute door position sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If absolute door position sensors are used in power closure member actuation systems, then door position sensing accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/electrical absolute position sensors with an accelerometer-based system that uses gravitational acceleration measurements to determine door position. The accelerometer detects changes in gravitational force direction as the door moves, allowing position calculation through integration of acceleration data, thereby eliminating complex sensing hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the door's own movement characteristics and the universal gravitational field as the reference frame to determine position, without requiring external sensors. The accelerometer mounted on the door leverages the constant gravitational acceleration to self-determine its orientation and position changes relative to the vehicle body.
2Manufacturing precision
If absolute door position sensors are installed, then door positioning accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs low-cost accelerometers that can be easily manufactured and replaced compared to expensive absolute position sensors. The accelerometer is a commodity component with simple manufacturing processes, significantly reducing the bill of materials cost for the power closure system.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution substitutes expensive mechanical position sensing components with inexpensive electronic accelerometers and software-based position calculation algorithms, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining positioning accuracy through computational methods.
3Device complexity
If traditional position sensing methods are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but door movement control accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional position sensors with an accelerometer-based measurement system that achieves high precision through gravitational reference. The accelerometer provides continuous, high-resolution acceleration data that, when integrated, yields accurate position information without the mechanical complexity of traditional sensing methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors acceleration data from the accelerometer and uses feedback control algorithms to adjust power actuator operation. By comparing actual door position (derived from acceleration integration) with target position, the system achieves precise control while maintaining simple hardware architecture.
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 enables precise control of door movement, ensuring accurate positioning and operation of power actuators even when absolute position sensors are not available, thereby enhancing the system's reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an accelerometer disposed on the one door and configured to detect an inclination of the one door
Data Source
AI summary
A power closure member actuation system for a vehicle having a plurality of doors and corresponding method of operation are provided. The system includes at least one power actuator associated with and configured to move one of the plurality of doors. The system also includes an inclination sensor configured to detect an initial inclination of the one of the plurality of doors at a predetermined position of one of the plurality of doors and a current inclination of the one of the plurality of doors at a current position of one of the plurality of doors. The at least one power actuator is operated based on the current position of the one of the plurality of doors determined using the initial inclination detected at the predetermined position and the current inclination detected at the current position.