Motor Vehicle Door Locking System with Proximity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current locking systems for motor vehicle doors lack user-friendliness, require multiple steps for unlocking, and do not adequately prevent door opening during vehicle travel, compromising safety and occupant protection.
Innovation Solution
A locking system with an internal actuation unit and a detection unit that automatically unlocks the door lock upon approaching a user's hand, using capacitive or optical sensors to detect hand proximity, and only allows unlocking below a predefined vehicle velocity, eliminating the need for separate unlocking mechanisms and ensuring the door remains closed during travel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical linkage connects the door handle to the door lock, then the door can be opened when unlocked, but the linkage becomes ineffective in the locked position requiring separate unlocking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the locking function from the mechanical linkage system by introducing an independent locking mechanism with its own actuation unit. The linkage is taken out of the locked state, allowing it to remain inactive while the separate locking mechanism maintains security. This resolves the contradiction by removing the ineffective linkage connection during locked operation, eliminating the need for complex interlocking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The door actuation system is segmented into separate functional units: an opening actuation unit for unlocking and opening the door, and a separate locking actuation unit for securing the door. This segmentation allows each unit to operate independently with optimized mechanisms, resolving the contradiction by eliminating the need for a single complex linkage to handle both locked and unlocked states.
2Ease of operation
If automatic unlocking based on hand approach is implemented, then user convenience is improved, but the risk of unintended unlocking during vehicle travel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification by detecting vehicle motion state before executing the unlocking action. When the vehicle is detected to be in motion, the unlocking function is preemptively disabled regardless of hand approach detection. This preliminary check prevents unintended unlocking during travel while maintaining convenient automatic unlocking at stops, resolving the contradiction between convenience and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback from vehicle motion sensors to dynamically control the unlocking function. The detection unit continuously monitors vehicle movement and provides feedback to the control unit, which adjusts the unlocking behavior accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures automatic unlocking only occurs when safe, resolving the contradiction by making unlocking reliability dependent on real-time vehicle state information.
3Reliability
If multiple actuation units (internal and external) are provided for unlocking, then security is improved, but the number of components and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling the internal actuation unit to serve dual purposes: it can initiate unlocking when the door is locked, and it can open the door when unlocked. The external actuation unit provides alternative unlocking capability. This universal design maintains security through multiple access points while reducing overall system complexity by eliminating the need for separate mechanisms for each function.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances user convenience by simplifying the unlocking process and prioritizing safety by preventing door opening during vehicle movement, thereby improving occupant protection and reducing the complexity of the interior design.
Implementation Method 1
The detection unit is implemented for contactless distance measurement to the internal actuation unit or to its pickup, in particular with the aid of at least one capacitive and/or optical distance sensor
Implementation Method 2
The detection unit is implemented for contactless distance measurement to the internal actuation unit or to its pickup, in particular with the aid of at least one capacitive and/or optical distance sensor
Implementation Method 3
The door lock is engaged with a lock shackle situated on the vehicle body, preferably on the B or C column, for closing the motor vehicle door
Data Source
AI summary
A locking system is provided for a motor vehicle door. The locking system includes, but is not limited to a door lock, an internal actuation unit having a pickup that is mechanically linked to the door lock and alternately transferable into a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, actuation of the pickup is inactive with respect to the lock. The locking system further includes, but is not limited to a detection unit configured to detect an approach of a hand and also configured to unlock the door lock if a distance falls below a predefined distance to the internal actuation unit.