Vehicle Door Switch Merging Closing and Locking Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional technologies require users to separately operate a portable device for closing and locking vehicle doors, making the process cumbersome and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a closing switch integrated into the vehicle's opening/closing body, featuring a sound generator and electronic control unit that distinguishes between normal and specific operations on the switch, allowing for automatic closing and locking without the need for a separate portable device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a portable device is used for door closing and locking operations, then the vehicle can be secured, but the user must take out the portable and perform separate operations for closing and locking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the door closing function and locking function into a single integrated system controlled by one switch. The closing switch is integrated into the door assembly, and the control unit processes different operation patterns (single press vs. double press within preset time) to trigger either closing or closing+locking sequences, eliminating the need for separate portable device operations
Solution Approach 2:
The closing switch serves multiple functions: it can trigger door closing only, or trigger door closing followed by locking, depending on the operation pattern detected. The control unit identifies different user intentions through different pressing patterns (single press vs. double press within preset time), making one switch universal for multiple security and convenience functions
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate switches are provided for closing and locking operations, then distinct functions are available, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The closing switch is designed as a multi-functional component that can trigger different sequences (closing only, or closing+locking) based on operation patterns. This single switch replaces what would traditionally require separate switches, reducing device complexity while maintaining full functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit distinguishes between different operation patterns by monitoring timing parameters (whether a second press occurs within a preset time after the first press). By changing the operational parameters rather than adding physical components, the system achieves multiple functions with a single switch
3Reliability
If multiple separate operations are required for closing and locking, then precise control is achieved, but the user experience becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the door closing action automatically as a preliminary step before locking when a double-press operation is detected. This preliminary closing action ensures the door is securely closed before the locking mechanism engages, maintaining control precision while reducing the user's active involvement time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the closing and locking operations into a single user action sequence. When the user performs a double-press within the preset time, both closing and locking are triggered in sequence, eliminating the need for separate operations and reducing the total time required while maintaining reliable control through distinct operational patterns
Data Source
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AI summary
A control device for a vehicle opening/closing body includes an electronic control unit (20) configured to determine whether a prescribed specific operation is performed by a user on a closing switch (10) that is provided in an opening/closing body (2) of a vehicle (1) to cause the opening/closing body (2) to perform a closing operation, the electronic control unit (20) being configured to cause the opening/closing body (2) to perform the closing operation, and to lock the vehicle (1) when the electronic control unit (20) determines that the specific operation is performed.