Vehicle Door Lock Power Control for Collision Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door lock systems in vehicles suffer from poor theft resistance as they can inadvertently unlock due to minor impacts, leading to potential security issues when the power source or circuit is compromised.
Innovation Solution
A power supply control device with an impact detection sensor and voltage reduction detection means that selectively maintains power to the door lock actuator while stopping power to other accessories when a predetermined impact or voltage reduction is detected, ensuring the door remains locked and secure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the door locked state is released by detecting any impact suffered by the vehicle body, then the door can be unlocked in case of collision, but the theft resistance deteriorates due to false unlocking from minor impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter for impact detection from any impact to impact of a predetermined magnitude or greater. The impact detection sensor is configured to detect only significant impacts that exceed a threshold value, thereby distinguishing between minor impacts (theft attempts) and major impacts (collisions requiring door release).
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the impact detection sensor to control the power distributor. When an impact of predetermined magnitude or greater is detected, the sensor signal triggers the power distributor to maintain power supply to the door lock actuator, enabling door unlocking. Minor impacts below the threshold do not trigger this response.
2Adaptability or versatility
If power is supplied to all electric actuators from the auxiliary power source during voltage reduction, then all door accessories can operate, but the door lock actuator may not operate reliably due to insufficient power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different power supply conditions to different actuators based on their criticality. The door lock actuator receives priority power supply under voltage reduction conditions, while other non-critical actuators have their power cut off. This ensures the most important function (door locking) operates reliably even when overall power is limited.
Solution Approach 2:
The power distributor changes the power supply parameter (on/off) to the various actuators based on the detected voltage condition. When voltage reduction is detected, the controller modifies the power distribution by maintaining supply to the door lock actuator while cutting off supply to other actuators, optimizing power allocation for critical functions.
3Loss of energy
If the power distributor switches off power to all electric actuators upon detecting voltage reduction, then power consumption is reduced, but the door lock device cannot be unlocked when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements selective power distribution where the door lock actuator receives continued power supply during voltage reduction conditions, while other non-critical actuators have power cut off. This local differentiation ensures that the critical door locking function remains operational while reducing overall power consumption from the auxiliary power source.
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle is equipped with a distribution board which is provided between a plurality of electric actuators and an auxiliary power supply, said plurality of electric actuators being used for door-related accessories and including a door lock device electric actuator that is appended to a door lock device, and said auxiliary power supply being connected to a main power supply. The vehicle is such that when a shock detection sensor (11) detects a shock at the same time that the voltage applied to the auxiliary power supply (33) by the main power supply (12) drops to a level not higher than a predetermined voltage, a control means (29) for controlling the distribution board (30) brings the door lock device into the unlocked state while the power feed from the auxiliary power supply (33) to the door lock device electric actuator (18) is maintained, said door lock device electric actuator (18) being among door-related electric actuators (13, 14, 15, 17, 18); and that in spite of the above, the power feed from the auxiliary power supply (33) to the remaining door-related electric actuators (13, 14, 15, 17) is forcibly stopped. Due to the above, even if a power supply or a circuit thereof is destroyed due to a collision or the like, burglar-proofness is enhanced while keeping the door locked state releasable.