Vehicle Door Lock Status Indicator Using Segmented Signals
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current motor vehicle door lock systems do not accurately indicate the system-wide lock status of all doors, leading to potential misinterpretation and safety issues, as the driver's door lock status may not reflect the status of other doors, and there is no warning for doors that fail to lock due to being ajar or system malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle door lock status system comprising a door lock actuator, a controller connected to multiple door lock regulators, and a visual indicator on the driver's door that provides real-time status signals, such as color-coded LEDs or icons, to clearly indicate whether all doors are closed and locked or if any fail to lock, ensuring accurate monitoring and display of the lock status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single driver's door lock status indicator is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of system-wide door lock status is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the door lock status information into three distinct states: door open status, all doors closed and locked status, and failure to lock status. Each state is represented by a different signal output from the single indicator, allowing precise system-wide status monitoring without requiring multiple physical indicators per door
Solution Approach 2:
The single door lock status indicator is designed to perform multiple functions: it indicates individual door open status, confirms system-wide closed and locked status, and alerts to locking failures. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate indicators for each door while maintaining comprehensive status monitoring
2Reliability
If real-time monitoring of all doors is implemented, then the reliability of door lock status information is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges individual door lock regulator status signals into a single controller unit that processes all inputs and generates one comprehensive status indicator. This consolidation approach maintains reliable real-time monitoring of all doors while minimizing device complexity through centralized control
3Loss of information
If visual indicators are provided for all door statuses, then the loss of information is reduced, but the ease of operation is reduced due to information overload
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by providing different visual signals for different status conditions: a first signal for door open status, a second signal for all doors closed and locked, and a third signal for locking failures. This differentiated signaling approach delivers complete information while maintaining ease of interpretation through distinct, easily distinguishable visual cues
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 system provides a clear, visual indication of the lock status of all doors, ensuring the driver knows when all doors are properly locked, and alerts them to any doors that may be open or unlocked, enhancing safety by preventing potential security breaches.
Implementation Method 1
The door lock status indicator may be a light source such as a bi-color light emitting diode
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle door lock status system is provided. That system includes a door lock actuator, a door lock status indicator for indicating lock status of the multiple motor vehicle doors, and a controller. The controller is connected to the door lock actuator and the door lock status indicator. Further, the controller is configured to provide a door open signal, an all doors closed and locked signal and a failure to lock signal. A related method of indicating door lock status of a motor vehicle is also disclosed.