Gear Switch Control for Gradual Vehicle Door Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control units for vehicle door positioning systems often result in abrupt transitions between switching states, leading to sudden door movements that can be uncomfortable and potentially hazardous, as they lack a mechanism to smoothly transition from a retaining state to a freewheel state.

Innovation Solution

A control unit that employs a delay function to gradually reduce the retaining force between switching states, allowing for a controlled and delayed transition from the first switching state to the second, thereby preventing abrupt door movements by continuously decreasing the retaining force over a predetermined time period.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the control unit switches abruptly from the first switching state to the second switching state, then the transition speed is improved, but the vehicle door movement becomes abrupt and potentially hazardous

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransition speedVSAvoidabrupt door movement

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit dynamically adjusts the retaining force of the control element during the switching process. Instead of maintaining a constant retaining force, the system continuously reduces the retaining force from the first switching state to the second switching state, creating a dynamic transition that dampens the door movement and prevents abrupt changes in position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit changes the parameter of retaining force over time during the switching transition. By implementing a delay function that continuously reduces the retaining force parameter, the system transforms the switching process from an abrupt state change to a gradual parameter transition, thereby damping the door movement while maintaining controlled transition speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the control element is released immediately, then the productivity is improved, but the vehicle door may move abruptly causing safety issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveswitching efficiencyVSAvoidsafe operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit performs a preliminary action by initiating a delay function before the complete release of the control element. This preliminary gradual reduction of retaining force prepares the system for the upcoming state change, allowing the door to transition smoothly rather than abruptly, thus maintaining both switching efficiency and operational safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The delay function acts as a cushioning mechanism during the switching transition. By continuously reducing the retaining force before the complete release, the system cushions the door against abrupt movements, ensuring that the transition from the first switching state to the second switching state occurs in a controlled and safe manner while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a delay function is implemented to reduce retaining force, then the door movement is damped and safe, but the transition time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor movement smoothnessVSAvoidtransition time

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit implements a partial delay function that reduces the retaining force to the extent necessary for safe operation rather than maintaining it for the entire switching duration. This partial application of the delay function achieves adequate damping of door movement while minimizing the loss of transition time, balancing safety requirements with operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS11408220B2Switch device for establishing an operative connection in between two gear elements

Publication Date: 2022.08.09 BROSE FAHRZEUGTEILE GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

A control unit for establishing a functional connection between two gearing components comprises at least one control element, which can be moved in order to switch the control unit between different switching states, wherein the at least one control element is configured to provide a retaining force between the gearing components in a first switching state, and to allow movement of the gearing components in relation to one another in a second switching state. An actuator is used to move the at least one control element. A control mechanism controls the actuator. It is provided thereby that the control mechanism is configured to activate the actuator to switch the control unit from the first switching state to the second switching state, in order to move the at least one control element to reduce the retaining force (FH) based on a predetermined delay function (VF).