Motor Control System for Vehicle Closure Latch Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure latch assemblies for vehicle doors with power release mechanisms are complex and noisy, and lack intuitive emergency release functions, particularly in scenarios like vehicle crashes or power loss.
Innovation Solution
A motor control system for a closure latch assembly that includes a power release motor with a motor control circuit and electronic control unit, allowing for controlled direction and speed changes of the power release gear to optimize operation and reduce noise, while maintaining emergency release functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a power release mechanism with electric actuator is used in closure latch assembly, then power-operated functions are enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power release mechanism and inside handle release mechanism into a single integrated closure latch assembly, sharing common components such as the latch mechanism, housing, and control circuitry. This merging reduces overall device complexity while maintaining both power-operated and manual release functions
Solution Approach 2:
The closure latch assembly is designed with multi-functionality, where the same basic structure supports both powered operation (via electric actuator) and manual operation (via inside handle). The system can perform multiple functions including normal closing, power release, manual release, and emergency release, reducing the need for separate dedicated mechanisms for each function
2Reliability
If mechanical outside handle is used with cables and rods, then emergency release is enabled, but noise increases during door opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical cable-and-rod outside handle system with an electric actuator that uses electrical signals to trigger latch release. This substitution eliminates the noisy mechanical linkages (cables and rods) while maintaining the emergency release function through electrical control, significantly reducing noise during door opening operations
3Reliability
If backup latch release arrangement is provided for power loss, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inside handle release mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on system state without requiring additional control systems. When power is lost or the system detects an emergency condition, the inside handle automatically becomes the active release mechanism, eliminating the need for complex control logic or additional backup components
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 system simplifies the closure latch assembly by reducing complexity and noise, providing intuitive power-operated functions and emergency release capabilities, ensuring safe and efficient door operation even in critical situations.
Implementation Method 1
a motor control circuit coupled between one of the first motor terminal and the second motor terminal and one of a voltage supply and an electrical ground to control a power supply to the motor and drive the motor in a first direction and in a second direction
Data Source
AI summary
A motor control system for a closure latch assembly is provided and includes a power release motor operatively coupled to a power release gear of the closure latch assembly. A plurality of relays are coupled between one of a first motor terminal and a second motor terminal and one of a voltage supply and an electrical ground to provide one of a first motor current flow to drive the power release motor in a first direction and a second motor current flow to drive the power release motor in a second direction. An electronic control unit is coupled to the plurality of relays and configured to command the plurality of relays to provide the first motor current flow in one of a power release mode and a release mode and the second motor current flow in one of a reset mode and an unlock mode.