E-latch Backup Handle Location via User Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Powered door latches in vehicles often fail to function due to electrical power loss or malfunctions, leaving users without a clear method to manually release the latch, especially since the emergency release lever is frequently hidden or not readily apparent.
Innovation Solution
A powered door latch system that includes a controller connected to a user communication device, such as a display screen or audio system, which informs the user of the location and operation of the emergency release lever if a predefined malfunction, like electrical power loss, occurs, allowing for manual mechanical release of the latch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an emergency release lever is provided for manual unlatching, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because the lever is hidden or not readily apparent
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides preliminary information about the emergency release lever location through the user communication device before power failure occurs. The controller stores and communicates lever location data in advance, so that when power is lost, the user already has the information needed to quickly locate and operate the lever, eliminating the need to search for it in the dark or confusion.
2Device complexity
If the emergency release lever location is not disclosed, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The user communication device serves as an intermediary between the controller and the user. Instead of making the lever physically visible or providing complex mechanical indicators, the system uses the communication device to convey location information verbally or visually, adding minimal complexity while effectively delivering the necessary information to the user.
3Ease of operation
If the emergency release lever is made more visible, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces potential mechanical solutions (such as visible levers, mechanical indicators, or complex physical markings) with an electronic information delivery system. The controller and user communication device use electrical and acoustic/optical fields to convey lever location information, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic communication that achieves the same goal of improving user awareness without adding mechanical complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A powered door latch system for vehicles includes a controller configured to receive data concerning vehicle operating conditions. The door latch system also includes at least one electrically powered door latch having a powered actuator that can be actuated by the controller to unlatch the electrically powered latch. An emergency release is mechanically connected to the electrically powered latch to mechanically release the latch. The system also includes a user communication device such as a display screen that is operably connected to the controller. The user communication device provides a user with information concerning the location and/or operation of the emergency release if a predefined operating condition such as a loss of electrical power has occurred.