Motor Vehicle Door Latch Control via Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle latch systems are complex and costly, requiring multiple components to operate an electrically opening latch while maintaining safety features, which complicates the operation and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A simplified method for controlling a motor vehicle latch using a locking mechanism with an electrical drive, a child safety lock device, and a locking mechanism sensor that activates or deactivates the drive based on sensor positions, eliminating the need for additional mechanical configurations and reducing component count without compromising safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple components and mechanical configurations are used to operate an electrically opening latch while maintaining safety features, then safety and functionality are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the child safety lock device and the closure drive into a single integrated mechanism. The child safety sensor and closure sensor share common structural elements and control pathways, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining both safety functions and closure functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical drive serves multiple functions: it operates the child safety lock mechanism, performs closure of the door, and enables electrically assisted opening. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanical configurations for each operation, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive safety and functionality.
2Reliability
If multiple components and mechanical configurations are used to operate an electrically opening latch, then safety features are maintained, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the child safety lock device and closure drive into one integrated system, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and quality-checked. This integration directly lowers manufacturing costs while preserving all safety functions through shared sensors and control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical drive's multi-functionality means that a single component performs multiple critical operations (safety locking, closure, assisted opening), eliminating the need for separate mechanical systems for each function. This reduces Bill of Materials costs and simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining comprehensive safety features.
3Reliability
If multiple components are used to operate an electrically opening latch, then safety features are maintained, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical drive serves as a universal actuator for multiple operations (child safety locking, door closure, assisted opening), simplifying the user interface and control logic. Instead of requiring separate mechanical mechanisms for each function, the system uses a single electrical drive controlled by sensors, reducing operational complexity while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors (child safety sensor and closure sensor) that provide feedback to the control unit, which automatically manages the electrical drive's operation. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual操作流程, as the system automatically determines when to lock, close, or assist opening based on sensor inputs, thereby simplifying user operation while ensuring safety.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a motor vehicle door lock includes using a control unit. After actuating the inner door handle the control unit, the switch positions of the switch are queried, and depending on the position of a locking mechanism sensor, a drive is activated or deactivated.