Vehicle Latch Actuator Power Mode Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power latch systems in vehicles often become stuck due to issues like freezing or deformation of latch levers, preventing doors from opening, and existing solutions lack effective methods for unlatching in such scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A system that determines and selectively controls power modes between primary, backup, and series power modes to ensure power is appropriately supplied to the actuator, using a control module to manage switches and power sources, including a primary and backup power source in series configuration, to facilitate unlatching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single power source is used to control the actuator, then the system is simple, but the latch becomes stuck when power fails or the system malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the power delivery parameters by switching between different power sources (primary battery, secondary battery, capacitor) and different connection configurations (series, parallel, hybrid). This allows the system to adapt power delivery based on operational needs, ensuring the actuator receives sufficient power to overcome stuck conditions while managing overall system complexity through controlled parameter variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by providing backup power sources (secondary battery and capacitor) that are ready to activate when the primary power source fails or when additional power is needed. This preemptive arrangement ensures continuous operation and prevents latch sticking due to power insufficiency, aligning with the TRIZ principle of preparing compensatory measures in advance.
2Ease of operation
If power is continuously supplied to the actuator, then the latch operates smoothly, but energy is wasted and the system cannot respond to stuck conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the power supply configuration changeable based on operational conditions. The control module dynamically switches between series and parallel connections, selects between different power sources, and adjusts power delivery in response to detected latch conditions. This dynamic adaptation ensures optimal power usage - sufficient power for smooth operation when needed, reduced power consumption when the latch is functioning normally, and automatic power reallocation when stuck conditions are detected.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for unlatching a power latch system of a door. In one embodiment, a method includes determining a power mode to be at least one of a primary power mode, a backup power mode, and a series power mode; and selectively controlling power to the power latch system based on the power mode.