Electro-mechanical Vehicle Door Latch for Crash Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door safety systems face challenges in reliably securing doors during pre-crash and crash events while ensuring they open safely after the event has passed, due to difficulties in defining and translating these events into effective mechanical responses.
Innovation Solution
An electro-mechanical door safety latch mechanism utilizing a Restraint Control Module (RCM) connected to sensors, which translates data signals into mechanical energy to secure the door latch during pre-crash and crash events and releases it during post-crash events, employing a solenoid mechanism and pawl system to prevent door opening during threats and allow opening post-crash.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electro-mechanical latch mechanism is used to secure doors during crash events, then door security during crash events is improved, but the complexity of the door safety system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the latch mechanism and release mechanism into a single integrated electro-mechanical assembly. The solenoid actuator integrates multiple functions (latching, unlocking, and release) into one component, reducing the overall number of separate mechanical parts while maintaining crash safety reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electro-mechanical latch mechanism serves multiple functions: it secures the door during crash events, allows normal operation during non-crash conditions, and automatically releases during post-crash events. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated mechanisms for each scenario.
2Reliability
If the door latch is secured during pre-crash and crash events, then occupant safety is improved, but the ease of door operation after the event is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-positions the electro-mechanical latch in a secured state during pre-crash and crash events. The solenoid actuator is designed to automatically transition from the secured position to the released position upon detection of post-crash conditions, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring rapid door accessibility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The RCM continuously monitors crash sensor data and provides feedback to the electro-mechanical latch mechanism. When post-crash conditions are detected, the RCM triggers the solenoid actuator to release the latch, ensuring the door becomes operable at the appropriate time while maintaining safety during the crash event itself.
3Measurement precision
If sensors and RCM are used to detect crash events, then the accuracy of crash event detection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RCM serves multiple functions: it processes sensor data for crash detection, determines crash event status, and controls the electro-mechanical latch mechanism. This multi-functionality consolidates control logic into a single unit, reducing the need for separate dedicated controllers and minimizing overall system complexity while maintaining high detection accuracy.
4Speed
If an electro-mechanical apparatus is used to translate sensor signals to mechanical energy, then the responsiveness to crash events is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid actuator operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously. It remains inactive during normal operation, activates rapidly during crash events to secure the latch, and automatically releases during post-crash events. This periodic operation mode provides rapid response when needed while minimizing energy consumption during extended idle periods.
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
Effectively secures vehicle doors during pre-crash and crash events while enabling safe operation post-crash by accurately determining event conditions and actuating the latch mechanism accordingly, enhancing occupant safety and compliance with safety regulations.
Implementation Method 1
an electro-mechanical apparatus; said apparatus responsive to electrical signals from said restraint control module to transfer said sensor data signal to mechanical energy
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electronic mechanical protector system for vehicle door latches during crash conditions, vehicle door equipped with such a system, and methods for operating the system.