Electronic Latch Backup Power Using Supercapacitor Group
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic latches in motor vehicles face challenges in providing a reliable backup power source, as current solutions are either bulky, costly, or insufficient in energy density and current output, especially in emergency situations like accidents or power failures.
Innovation Solution
An electronic latch with an integrated backup power source using low voltage supercapacitors, a charge module, equalization module, and a boost module, along with a diagnostic module, to provide reliable energy to the latch's electric motor during main power failures, utilizing a compact and efficient design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an auxiliary battery is used as a backup power source, then the latch can operate during emergencies, but the size and weight requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from using a traditional auxiliary battery to a capacitor group as the backup power source. This parameter change in the energy storage technology enables the same backup function with significantly reduced weight and size, while maintaining the ability to supply sufficient current for latch operation during emergencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a capacitor group that can be integrated into the existing circuit board structure, effectively replacing the need for a separate auxiliary battery. The capacitor group is electrically connected in parallel with the main power supply, creating a backup power system that copies the essential function of a battery without requiring additional mechanical components.
2Weight of stationary object
If a capacitor group is used as backup power source, then the size is reduced, but the energy density and current output may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The backup power function is segmented into multiple capacitors connected in parallel on the circuit board. This segmentation allows the system to achieve the required current output capability through collective capacitance while maintaining individual capacitor sizes that fit within the available space constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor group serves multiple functions: it acts as a backup power source during emergencies, provides power conditioning, and can be integrated into the existing circuit board structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components and maximizes the power delivery capability within the available space.
3Reliability
If a mechanical release mechanism is added as backup, then the latch can operate without power, but the device complexity and area occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the proposed mechanical release mechanism with an electrical solution using a capacitor group. This substitution maintains the electronic nature of the latch system, allowing the electric motor to operate during emergencies without introducing additional mechanical components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
4Quantity of substance
If supercapacitors are used, then the energy density is improved, but the circuit board area requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor group is nested within the existing circuit board structure, utilizing available spaces and routing layers efficiently. The capacitors are arranged to fit within the latch assembly's existing footprint, ensuring that the energy storage capacity is maximized without requiring additional external space or significantly increasing the circuit board area.
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
The solution provides a compact, reliable, and efficient backup power source that ensures the electronic latch functions during emergencies, with high energy density, long lifespan, and safety features, such as temperature monitoring, to prevent overheating and extend the supercapacitor's life, ensuring the latch can operate in hazardous conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The backup energy source includes a group of supercapacitors
Implementation Method 2
a charge module, equalization module, and a boost module
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic latch assembly for a closure device of a motor vehicle, having an actuator group operable to control actuation of the closure device and an electric motor controllable to drive the actuator group and supplied, during a normal operating condition, by a main power source of the motor vehicle providing a main supply voltage (Vbatt); the electronic latch assembly has a backup energy source, and a control unit controlling the backup energy source to supply the electric motor during a failure operating condition. The backup energy source has a supercapacitor group, which stores energy during the normal operating condition and provides a backup supply voltage (Vsc) to supply the electric motor (9) during the failure operating condition.