Motor-Generator Door Latch Control During Power Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems lack a reliable method to control access openings, such as side doors and cargo enclosures, in the event of a power loss, which can leave occupants stranded or unable to access their vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a motor-generator, switches, latches, and an actuator to allow manual operation of doors and cargo enclosures, converting the motor-generator into a generator to provide power for door operation even without electrical power, using a bridge rectifier to ensure consistent current flow, and mechanisms to disable or enable latch operation for safety and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If power actuated latch mechanisms are used for side doors and cargo doors, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates in the event of power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-generator is designed to dynamically switch between motor mode (when powered) and generator mode (when manually cranked), allowing the system to adapt its operation based on available energy sources and operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The motor-generator acts as an intermediary energy conversion device between manual mechanical input and electrical power requirements, enabling the latch mechanism to function during power loss by converting manual cranking into electrical energy
2Ease of manufacture
If manual operation of cargo enclosure is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but use of energy deteriorates as manual power is required
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-generator enables the system to be self-sufficient by allowing manual cranking of the cargo enclosure to generate the electrical energy needed to operate the latch mechanism, eliminating the need for external power sources during power loss events
3Reliability
If motor-generator is used in generator mode, then reliability is improved during power loss, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-generator is designed to perform multiple functions: it operates as an electric motor during normal powered operation to assist with door/cargo enclosure movement, and as a generator during power loss when manually cranked to provide electrical power for latch operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between motor and generator modes based on operational conditions, with control circuitry that automatically manages the transition and connection configurations
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
Enables continued access to vehicles and cargo enclosures even during power outages by utilizing the motor-generator's generator mode to power door operation, ensuring safety and security through controlled latch mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a motor-generator mounted to the vehicle body. The motor-generator operates as an electric motor when connected to the actuator to thereby selectively cover and uncover the at least a portion of the cargo enclosure and can operate as a generator to release the first latch
Implementation Method 2
a bridge rectifier configured to convert the generated electric current to flow in one direction for operating the first latch in the second mode
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling access into a vehicle in the event of loss of electrical power is disclosed. The vehicle has an access opening into the vehicle's interior with a first door for access thereto, a cargo enclosure with a second door therefor, and an energy storage device for generating the electrical power. A first latch selectively latches and unlatches the first door, while a first switch operates the first latch. A second latch selectively latches and unlatches the second door, while an actuator connects the second door to the vehicle body and selectively opens and closes the second door. A second switch selectively connects a motor-generator to the energy storage device for operating the actuator in a first mode and disconnects the motor-generator from the energy storage device for generating electric current when the second door is operated manually to operate the first latch in a second mode.