Vehicle Door Lock Emergency Power Mode for Battery Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic door locking systems for motor vehicles lack an efficient mechanism to connect an external voltage source when the onboard electrical system battery is depleted or the electronic key battery fails, necessitating the use of a mechanical key for door operation.
Innovation Solution
An electronic door locking system with a contact element accessible from outside the vehicle for connecting an external voltage source, featuring an emergency power supply algorithm that deactivates non-essential components and functions, allowing only necessary components for unlocking to be activated, thereby reducing energy consumption and enhancing security by controlling voltage levels and connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the onboard electrical system battery is depleted or the electronic key battery fails, then the electronic door locking system cannot operate, but using an additional mechanical key reduces convenience and requires hardware modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a voltage detector and control unit as intermediary components between the external voltage source and the door locking system. The voltage detector monitors battery status and triggers the control unit to switch to emergency mode, enabling the system to automatically adapt when power sources fail without requiring mechanical key intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between normal operation mode and emergency power supply mode based on real-time battery status detection. The control unit adjusts system behavior according to power availability, deactivating non-essential functions during emergency mode to maintain core door locking operations with limited power
2Adaptability or versatility
If all components and functions remain activated during emergency power supply mode, then the system can provide full functionality, but the current consumption exceeds what the external voltage source can provide
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit extracts and deactivates non-essential functions and components during emergency power supply mode, retaining only the critical door locking and unlocking operations. This selective deactivation reduces current consumption to levels that the external voltage source can sustain while maintaining core system functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial action by activating only the minimum necessary functions for door locking operation during emergency mode. Rather than attempting to maintain full system functionality, the control unit deliberately limits operation to essential tasks, accepting reduced versatility in exchange for energy efficiency
3Ease of operation
If the contact element is not protected, then external voltage sources can be easily connected, but the system is vulnerable to unauthorized access and energy manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage detector provides continuous feedback about the electrical state to the control unit, which monitors for abnormal conditions such as unauthorized connection attempts or improper voltage levels. This feedback mechanism enables the system to detect and respond to potential security threats while maintaining ease of legitimate connection
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit implements preliminary protective measures by monitoring voltage levels and connection status before allowing emergency mode activation. The system verifies that external voltage sources meet safety criteria and prevents activation under suspicious conditions, countening potential harmful actions before they can affect the system
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic door locking system of a motor vehicle is disclosed, comprising at least one receiver for the transmission signals of an electronic key, at least one control device for mechanically locking and unlocking at least one motor vehicle door, at least one contact element, accessible from outside the motor vehicle, for connecting an external voltage source, wherein the at least one control device for mechanically locking and unlocking at least one motor vehicle door and/or at least one additional control device has an emergency power supply algorithm, wherein the electronic door locking system is designed to detect an emergency power supply mode and to activate the emergency power supply algorithm, wherein the emergency power supply algorithm is designed to deactivate at least one function of a normal mode and/or, in the case of a function, to access previously defined data of deactivated components or to ignore said data.