Vehicle Door Lock Release Mechanism with Electromagnetic Safety Interlock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transit vehicle door release mechanisms do not adequately prevent doors from being opened while the vehicle is in motion, posing a safety risk to passengers.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle door lock release mechanism that includes a plate assembly with sliding plates, an elastic member, and electromagnets. The mechanism prevents door opening during vehicle movement by energizing the electromagnets, and delays door opening until the vehicle stops by storing energy in the elastic member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual release cable is directly coupled to a lock actuator mechanism, then the door can be unlocked when the cable is pulled, but the passenger could get injured if the vehicle is still moving or stopped between stations
Solution Approach 1:
An electromagnet is introduced as an intermediary between the release cable and the door lock mechanism. The electromagnet acts as a controlled mediator that can selectively engage or disengage based on vehicle motion status, preventing direct coupling of the cable to the lock actuator during unsafe conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through motion detection (via motor current sensing or separate sensors) that continuously monitors vehicle status. This feedback controls the electromagnet engagement, ensuring the door can only be unlocked when the vehicle is properly stopped at a station, thereby eliminating the injury risk while maintaining ease of operation
2Reliability
If a motor driving the doors is energized to keep the doors closed after the release handle has been actuated, then the doors can be prevented from opening, but the motors can overheat and the passenger can damage the door control mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of using motor force to hold doors closed with an electromagnetic holding mechanism. The electromagnet provides the holding force independently of the drive motor, allowing the motor to remain unengaged and preventing overheating while maintaining reliable door closure
Solution Approach 2:
The holding function is extracted from the drive motor system and placed into a separate electromagnet component. This separation allows the motor to be disengaged during the holding phase, eliminating the risk of motor overheating while the electromagnet maintains door closure reliability
3Reliability
If a mechanism is provided to prevent the release handle from being moved when it is unsafe, then the door can be protected from opening, but the passenger can be frustrated and break the handle by applying too much force
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnet serves as a force-multiplying intermediary that provides strong mechanical resistance when engaged, preventing handle movement during unsafe conditions. This electromagnetic holding force is sufficient to prevent handle breaking while maintaining safety, replacing weaker mechanical prevention mechanisms
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
The mechanism effectively prevents door opening during unsafe vehicle movement and ensures safe door opening only when the vehicle has stopped, enhancing passenger safety.
Implementation Method 1
The first electromagnet may be energized to magnetically couple with and prevent movement of the first sliding plate while the second sliding plate may move toward the second electromagnet responsive to the release cable being pulled. The second electromagnet may be energized to magnetically couple with and prevent movement of the second sliding plate
Implementation Method 2
The elastic member may be stretched and store energy from the release cable being pulled while both the first and second electromagnets remain energized. The first electromagnet may be de-energized to permit movement of the first sliding plate and release the energy stored in the elastic member for opening a door of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle door lock release mechanism includes a plate assembly coupled with a vehicle, sliding plates that slide in opposite directions, an elastic member coupled with the plate assembly, and electromagnets coupled with the plate assembly. One electromagnet may be energized to prevent movement of a first sliding plate while a second sliding plate may move responsive to a release cable being pulled. The second electromagnet may be energized to magnetically couple with and prevent movement of the second sliding plate once the second sliding plate reaches the second electromagnet. The elastic member may be stretched and store energy from the release cable being pulled while both the first and second electromagnets remain energized. The first electromagnet may be de-energized to permit movement of the first sliding plate and release the energy stored in the elastic member for opening a door of the vehicle.