Electric Latch MR Mode Activation Before Battery Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric latch assemblies in vehicles fail to open when the battery is fully discharged, especially when the smart key is inside the vehicle, leading to security and operational issues.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented to activate a mechanical redundancy (MR) mode in the electric latch assembly by monitoring battery voltage and smart key location, using an MR motor to mechanically connect the door handle to the latch when the battery voltage drops below a preset threshold and remains low for a certain time, allowing manual door opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the electric latch assembly relies solely on electric power from the battery, then the door locking/unlocking function is improved through motorized operation, but the system fails to operate when the battery is fully discharged
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit detects battery voltage in advance and activates the MR mode before the battery is completely discharged. When the voltage drops below a threshold, the control unit automatically connects the door handle to the latch mechanism through the MR motor, preparing the system for manual operation while there is still enough power to execute the transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its operational parameter from electric-only mode to mechanical redundancy mode based on battery voltage levels. By monitoring voltage and switching modes, the system adapts its operation from motor-driven locking/unlocking to manual handle-based operation when voltage falls below the threshold.
2Reliability
If the MR mode is activated automatically when battery voltage drops, then the door can be opened manually before complete discharge, but the system complexity increases due to additional control logic and components
Solution Approach 1:
The door handle serves multiple functions: it acts as a manual release mechanism in MR mode and also serves as the interface for electric motor operation during normal mode. The control unit integrates both voltage monitoring and mode switching functions, reducing the need for separate dedicated components.
3Reliability
If the MR mode connects the door handle to the latch mechanically, then manual door opening becomes possible, but the ease of operation is reduced compared to electric motor operation
Solution Approach 1:
The MR mode extracts and isolates the essential mechanical connection between the door handle and latch, separating it from the electric motor system. This allows the mechanical function to operate independently when electric power is insufficient, providing a simplified but reliable manual operation path.
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 door opening before battery discharge is complete, ensuring security by preventing unauthorized access when the smart key is inside the vehicle and maintaining MR mode deactivation when the key is absent, thus enhancing security performance.
Implementation Method 1
an MR motor installed inside the electric latch assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment method of preparing for discharge of an electric latch assembly includes determining whether the electric latch assembly is in an unlocked state, in response to a determination that the electric latch assembly is in the unlocked state, monitoring a voltage of a battery, comparing the voltage of the battery with a preset reference voltage at which a mechanical redundancy (MR) mode is to be activated, and activating the MR mode by driving an MR motor installed inside the electric latch assembly in response to the voltage of the battery being less than or equal to the reference voltage.