Lock Device Failure Detection via Magnetic Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock devices, such as electric steering lock devices, face difficulties in distinguishing between failures in the locking member and the drive unit, leading to inaccurate determination of system failures, especially when the motor fails or encounters friction issues.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a detection device with magnetic sensors and a controller that monitors the movement of the lock stopper and locking member, using output values to determine the position and detect failures based on changes in these values, allowing for precise identification of failure points within the drive force transmission system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a lock device uses a simple structure without additional detection components, then the device complexity is low and manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ability to accurately detect and distinguish failure locations is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a detection device that provides feedback information about the movement state of the lock stopper and locking member. The controller uses this feedback to determine whether the locking member or drive unit has failed, enabling accurate failure detection without requiring complex manual diagnosis procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a detection device as an intermediary component between the mechanical locking mechanism and the control system. This intermediary detects the movement state and transmits information to the controller, which then determines failure location based on the detected data, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and accurate detection.
2Reliability
If the lock stopper is moved a long distance to ensure complete unlocking, then the reliability of unlocking is improved, but the time required for the locking member to return to the initial position increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device detects the movement state of the lock stopper and locking member in advance during the unlocking process. The controller uses this information to determine when the locking member has returned to the initial position, allowing the system to proceed with the next operation without waiting for the full mechanical return time, thus reducing operational delays.
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
This solution enhances the accuracy of failure determination by differentiating between locking member and drive unit failures, improving the reliability of the lock device's operation and maintenance by accurately identifying the source of issues.
Implementation Method 1
Inclining a detection device 30 having a magnet 31 and a magnetic sensor 32a, 32b, 32c toward the lock stopper 23
Data Source
AI summary
A lock device includes a locking member, a movable member, and a transmission mechanism. The locking member is moved between a lock position at which it locks a locking subject and an unlock position at which it unlocks the locking subject. The transmission mechanism transmits a drive force to the movable member and moves the movable member. A movement state of the movable member is shifted between a relative movement state in which it is moved relative to the locking member and an integral movement state in which it is moved together with the locking member to move the locking member toward the lock or unlock position. The lock device further includes a detector of which an output value varies in accordance with movement of the movable member or the transmission mechanism, and a controller that performs a failure determination based on a change in the output value.