Electric Door Release System for Drained Vehicle Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric door systems in vehicles require time and expertise to unlock doors when the primary power source is drained, posing risks and inconveniences, especially in emergencies.
Innovation Solution
An electric door release system that includes a power interface for receiving DC power from an external mobile device, isolation circuitry to prevent charging of the vehicle's primary power sources, and a controller to activate the door latch, allowing quick unlocking without recharging the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the vehicle is connected to an external power source to recharge, then the primary power source can be recharged, but the occupant must move the vehicle to a charging station or find heavy portable power sources that are not readily available
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power supply function by separating the door latch power requirement from the main vehicle power system. A dedicated power interface and isolation circuitry create an independent power pathway that accepts external DC power sources (like mobile devices) to operate only the door latch, eliminating the need to recharge the entire vehicle power system.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolation circuitry acts as an intermediary between the external DC power source and the door latch. It prevents the external power from charging the vehicle's primary power sources while directing it exclusively to power the door latch, enabling door unlocking without involving the main power system.
2Reliability
If jump starting the vehicle is used to unlock doors, then power can be restored, but at least an extra vehicle must be present at the scene
Solution Approach 1:
The power interface is designed to accept universal DC power sources, including external mobile devices like smartphones and portable power banks. This multi-functional power acceptance capability replaces the need for vehicle-to-vehicle jump starting, allowing door unlocking with commonly available personal devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service door unlocking by allowing occupants to use their own personal mobile devices as power sources. No external assistance or additional vehicles are required—the occupant independently powers the door latch using their own device through the power interface.
3Device complexity
If mechanical door locks are removed to simplify the system, then the vehicle design is simplified, but the electric door latch requires electric power to function properly
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares for power loss scenarios by providing a pre-configured external power interface and isolation circuitry that are always ready to accept DC power from mobile devices. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the primary power source is drained, the door latch can be immediately unlocked without requiring mechanical backup systems.
4Productivity
If time is taken to recharge the vehicle before unlocking, then the power source can be restored, but emergencies require entry into the vehicle in no time
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the door latch power requirement from the main vehicle power system, creating an independent power pathway. This extraction allows the door latch to be powered directly from external DC sources like mobile devices, enabling immediate unlocking without the time-consuming process of recharging the vehicle's primary power source.
Data Source
AI summary
An electric door release system and an electric door release method are disclosed. The system and method may be used for releasing a vehicle door when a primary power source of the vehicle is drained. According to certain embodiments, the system includes a power interface configured to receive a direct-current (DC) power from an external mobile device. The system also includes one or more door latches. The system further includes an isolation circuitry configured to prevent the DC power from powering circuitry not included in the electric door release system. The system further includes a controller configured to activate a door latch using the DC power.