Vehicle Door Actuator Velocity Profile Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle door systems face challenges in preventing contact between the door and objects in its path during opening and closing, and they often experience undesirable shaking or jittering due to uncontrolled actuator operation.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a controller and actuator that determines and implements a velocity profile based on the door's open and closed positions, object location, and predetermined angles to control the door's movement smoothly and avoid collisions, using sensors to detect objects and adjust the actuator's speed accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a manual door handle is used, then the door can be opened easily, but the operator must carefully move the door to avoid contact with objects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of door openingVSAvoidcollision avoidance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical door operation system with an automated powered door system. An actuator (electric motor) is integrated into the door assembly to automatically open and close the door, eliminating the need for manual pulling or pushing. The controller receives signals from sensors to determine when and how to operate the actuator, thereby preventing collisions with objects while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If a powered door with actuator is used, then automatic door opening and closing is achieved, but the door shakes or jitters during operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic door operationVSAvoiddoor stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of the actuator operation through velocity profiles. The controller adjusts the actuator's speed and acceleration dynamically during door opening and closing operations. By implementing ramp-up and ramp-down phases in the velocity profile, the actuator smoothly accelerates and decelerates, preventing sudden movements that cause shaking or jittering. This dynamic control maintains door stability while preserving automatic operation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the door moves quickly to improve productivity, then door operation time is reduced, but the risk of collision with objects increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor operation speedVSAvoidcollision risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates sensors (such as ultrasonic, infrared, or optical sensors) that continuously monitor the environment around the door for objects. The controller receives feedback from these sensors and dynamically adjusts the actuator's velocity profile in real-time. When objects are detected in the door's path, the controller automatically reduces speed or stops the door operation, preventing collisions. This feedback mechanism enables the system to maintain high productivity during normal operation while ensuring safety when objects are present.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10407968B2System and method for operating vehicle door
Publication Date: 2019.09.10 FARADAY&FUTURE INC
  • US10407968B2 patent drawing
  • US10407968B2 patent drawing
  • US10407968B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for operating a door of a vehicle is disclosed. The system may include an actuator configured to move the door between an open position and a closed position. The system may also include a controller configured to determine a first open-door angle associated with a predetermined first velocity profile, determine a second open-door angle based on the open position relative to the closed position, determine a second velocity profile based on the first open-door angle, the second open-door angle, and the first velocity profile, and control the actuator to operate the door according to the second velocity profile.