Vehicle Door Emergency Unlocking With Series-Parallel Capacitors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric door locks in motor vehicles require electrical energy to open or close the door, and an interruption in the electrical connection, such as during an accident, prevents normal operation, necessitating a reserve energy source for emergency unlocking.
Innovation Solution
An emergency unlocking device utilizing an energy storage system with two capacitors connected in parallel for charging and then in series to provide a higher voltage to an electromechanical actuator, supported by a DC-DC converter, allowing the actuator to function even when the main battery connection is interrupted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a reserve energy source is used to enable emergency unlocking, then the door can be opened even if the main battery connection is interrupted, but the voltage output from the reserve battery is insufficient to directly operate the electromechanical actuator
Solution Approach 1:
A DC-DC converter is introduced as an intermediary device between the reserve battery and the electromechanical actuator. The converter transforms the insufficient voltage from the reserve battery into the required higher voltage, enabling the actuator to operate during emergency conditions without modifying the reserve battery itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical parameters (voltage and current) of the energy from the reserve battery through the DC-DC converter. The converter adjusts the output voltage to match the actuator's requirements, transforming low-voltage/low-current output into high-voltage/high-current suitable for emergency door unlocking.
2Loss of time
If two capacitors are connected in parallel during charging, then the charging time is reduced, but the voltage output is insufficient to operate the actuator
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically reconfigures the capacitor connections based on operational requirements. During charging, capacitors are connected in parallel to minimize charging time. During discharge to the actuator, they are switched to series connection to maximize voltage output. This dynamic reconfiguration optimizes both charging efficiency and operational performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage function is segmented into two distinct operational modes: charging mode (parallel connection for speed) and discharge mode (series connection for voltage). This segmentation allows each mode to be optimized independently, with the switching mechanism coordinating between the two states.
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 the door to be unlocked efficiently by converting low current from a reserve battery into a higher voltage, ensuring the electromechanical actuator can operate, even in the absence of a continuous electrical connection to the main battery, facilitating safe emergency access.
Implementation Method 1
a DC-DC converter as a voltage amplifier
Implementation Method 2
an auxiliary energy store having two capacitors
Implementation Method 3
an electromechanical actuator for unlocking the motor vehicle door
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an emergency release device (1) for a motor vehicle door lockable by means of an electric door lock, comprising an energy storage device (2), an auxiliary energy storage device (3) having two capacitors (Cl, C2), a DC-DC converter (4) as a voltage amplifier, and an electromechanical actuator (5) for unlocking the motor vehicle door, wherein the auxiliary energy storage device (3) is connected to the energy storage device (2) via the DC-DC converter (4) so that the auxiliary energy storage device (3) can be charged from the energy storage device (2) with the voltage output by the DC-DC converter (4), the electromechanical actuator (5) is connected to the auxiliary energy storage device (3) in such a way that the actuator (5) can be supplied by means of the energy provided by the auxiliary energy storage device (3) in the charged state, and the auxiliary energy storage device (3) has such a circuit configuration of its capacitors (Cl, C2) that the capacitors (Cl,C2) are connected in parallel during charging and, following the charging process, are connected in series to supply the actuator (5) with electrical energy. In this way, an improved emergency release device (1) for a motor vehicle door is provided.