Powered Door Pivot Control With Sensor-Based Motor Assistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door movement systems in motor vehicles require significant user effort in passive mode and lack efficient assistance in active mode, with existing technologies not providing a comfortable and cost-effective means to control the displacement of movable components.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using an electric drive motor with position and speed sensors to adjust the setpoint voltage and current intensity, allowing for easy and comfortable displacement of movable components by reducing the force required from the user, and incorporating a brake device for controlled movement and obstacle detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an electric motor actively moves the door component (active mode), then the user effort is reduced, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor provides partial assistance rather than complete automation. The motor assists the user during door movement but does not fully automate the operation, allowing the user to retain control while reducing effort. This partial action approach balances ease of operation with acceptable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the user's own movement input to trigger motor assistance. When the user begins moving the door, the system detects this movement and automatically activates the motor to assist, rather than requiring the user to activate the motor separately. This self-service mechanism simplifies the interaction model.
2Reliability
If a brake device is added to assist with positioning and obstacle detection, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides positioning accuracy by holding the door in place, assists with obstacle detection through its sensor capabilities, and works in conjunction with the electric motor for coordinated movement control. By merging these functions into a single integrated component, the system improves reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake device is designed as a multi-functional component that serves as both a positioning mechanism and an obstacle detection system. The same brake unit that controls door positioning also incorporates sensors to detect obstacles, eliminating the need for separate dedicated components and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing sensors are utilized and supplemented with cost-effective sensors, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects and combines different sensor types based on the specific measurement requirements. For applications requiring high precision, more accurate sensors are used, while for less critical measurements, cost-effective sensors suffice. This dynamic approach allows the system to achieve necessary measurement precision across different functions while minimizing overall production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sensor precision levels are applied to different locations and functions within the system. Critical measurement points such as obstacle detection use high-precision sensors, while less critical functions like general position monitoring use cost-effective sensors. This local differentiation of quality ensures measurement precision where needed while reducing overall manufacturing costs.
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
Enables effortless and controlled movement of movable components with minimal user effort, reducing production costs by utilizing existing sensors and minimizing the need for additional sensors, while ensuring safety and preventing collisions.
Implementation Method 1
a drive device with at least one electric drive motor in order to influence a displacement of the component
Implementation Method 2
a position measure for a setting (relative setting, angular setting etc.) of the component and a speed parameter for a displacement speed of the component are detected by means of at least one position sensor
Implementation Method 3
a brake, for example the magnetorheological brake unit, can assist the motor in the braking or blocking in an end position
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an assembly for pivoting a movable component having a drive device with an electric drive motor in order to influence a pivoting of the component between a first setting and a second setting. A position sensor detects a position measure for a setting of the component and a speed parameter for a displacement speed of the component. During a displacement of the component with the speed parameter, an electrical setpoint current intensity for the electric drive motor is ascertained, and an associated setpoint voltage is set. The setpoint voltage is increased if a current intensity flowing through the drive motor is lower than the electrical setpoint current intensity, and the setpoint voltage is reduced if the current intensity flowing through the drive motor is higher than the electrical setpoint current intensity.