Vehicle Door Latch Control Device with Dual Switch Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door latch control devices fail to detect insufficient engagement of the ratchet with the latch, leading to potential door opening due to vibration during travel, as they cannot reliably identify malfunctions in the transmission means or ratchet.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating multiple switches to monitor the ratchet's position and the operation of the transmission means, with a control unit determining abnormal states based on switch mode changes, and utilizing a notification system to alert for such conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single switch is used to detect ratchet engagement position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of detecting insufficient engagement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is segmented into two independent switches: a first switch that detects ratchet engagement position and a second switch that monitors transmission means operation. This segmentation allows each switch to perform a specific detection task, improving overall detection reliability without requiring a single complex switch system.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit implements feedback by comparing the switching modes of both switches to determine abnormal states. When the second switch changes mode but the first switch mode remains unchanged, the control unit identifies this as an abnormal state indicating insufficient ratchet engagement, providing reliable feedback on system status.
2Measurement precision
If multiple switches are added to monitor transmission means operation, then the detection capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second switch serves multiple functions: it monitors the operation of the transmission means, works in conjunction with the first switch for abnormal state detection, and provides feedback to the control unit. This multi-functionality improves measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that processes signals from both switches and determines abnormal states. This intermediary function allows the switches to work together efficiently, improving detection capability while keeping the overall system complexity manageable through centralized logic processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle door latch control device is provided in which power from an electric actuator controlled by a control unit is transmitted via transmission means to a ratchet that can engage with a latch that engages with a striker on a vehicle body side and pivots, wherein a first switch detects whether the ratchet is in a ratchet engagement position, a second switch detects that the transmission means has operated until the ratchet attains the ratchet engagement position based on an operating position of an operating member forming part of the transmission means, and the control unit that controls actuation of the electric actuator determines that there is an abnormal state when the switching mode of the first switch is unchanged at the time the second switch changes switching mode. This enables an abnormal state in which engagement of a ratchet with a latch becomes insufficient.