Electronic Door Latch Control Logic for Accidental Release Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic latch assemblies in motor vehicles face safety and convenience issues due to complex mechanical designs, particularly with features like double pull unlock, which can lead to accidental unlocking while the vehicle is in motion, and are cumbersome when combined with auto-lock features.
Innovation Solution
An electronic latch assembly with a control unit that monitors handle activation signals and vehicle speed, implementing a method to lock and unlock the latch only upon specific conditions, such as a preset time interval for multiple handle pulls or vehicle speed, to enhance safety and convenience by preventing accidental door opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If double pull unlock is implemented with conventional mechanical door latches, then safety against accidental unlocking is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical linkage system with an electronic latch assembly that uses electrical signals and electronic control logic to implement the double pull unlock function. The control unit receives handle activation signals and processes them according to programmed logic, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages while maintaining the safety function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by introducing time-based logic where the control unit monitors the timing and sequence of handle activations. By evaluating whether a second handle pull occurs within a predetermined time window after the first, the system implements safety logic through temporal parameter monitoring rather than mechanical design.
2Reliability
If double pull unlock is combined with auto-lock features, then safety during motion is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation modes that adapt based on vehicle motion state. When the vehicle is detected to be in motion, the control unit requires double handle pull activation for door opening. When the vehicle is stationary, the system automatically transitions to a mode where single handle pull is sufficient, providing convenience without compromising safety during motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors vehicle motion state and automatically adjusts the handle activation requirement based on this feedback. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the door opening requirement adapts to current operating conditions, maintaining safety during motion while providing ease of operation when parked.
3Ease of operation
If conventional mechanical latch remains in unlocked state after single handle activation, then ease of operation is improved, but safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is programmed to preemptively counteract the effect of a single accidental handle pull by requiring a second handle activation within a predetermined time window. This preliminary anti-action prevents the harmful outcome of accidental door release while the vehicle is in motion, as the system proactively monitors for and requires confirmation of intentional opening intent.
Data Source
AI summary
An e-latch assembly for a closure member and a method of operating the e-latch assembly coupled to a closure member are provided. The e-latch assembly includes an actuation group operable to selectively secure the closure member. An electronic control circuit is coupled to the actuation group and includes a control unit configured to manage a plurality of handle activation signals. The control unit is also configured to receive a plurality of signals indicative of the state of a vehicle. Additionally, the control unit is configured to control the actuation group to selectively allow the closure member to be opened in response to receiving the plurality of signals indicative of the state of the vehicle and based on the plurality of handle activation signals.