3D Sensor Unit for Motor Vehicle Locking Element Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle locking devices face complexity and error-prone functionality due to the use of multiple sensors for precise position detection of locking elements, leading to increased technological effort and potential indifferent functional states.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional sensor unit is employed to detect the movement of locking elements, allowing for comprehensive monitoring of the path and position of rotary latches from pre-locking to main locking positions, reducing the number of sensors needed and enhancing information density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensor units are used to detect individual positions of locking elements, then position detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor units (rotary latch sensor and pawl sensor) into a single integrated sensor unit that can detect both locking elements simultaneously. This merging approach maintains the ability to detect individual positions of multiple locking elements while reducing the overall number of sensors required, thereby decreasing device complexity without sacrificing measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor unit is designed with multi-functionality to detect various positions of different locking elements (rotary latch and pawl) using a single device. The sensor can identify pre-locking positions, main locking positions, and intermediate states of multiple locking components, making one sensor unit perform the functions that previously required multiple separate sensors.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensor units are used to monitor locking element positions, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to increased error-prone functionality
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple sensor units into one integrated sensor unit, the patent reduces the number of potential failure points and signal evaluation paths. The single sensor unit evaluates positions of multiple locking elements through a unified detection mechanism, minimizing the complexity of signal processing and reducing the likelihood of erroneous functional states while maintaining precise position detection.
3Loss of information
If multiple sensor units are used for position detection, then information density is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit is designed to provide comprehensive information about multiple locking elements simultaneously, including their individual positions, relative movements, and locking states. This multi-functional sensor unit delivers high information density by monitoring various locking element states through a single detection device, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors while maintaining rich positional and functional data.
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 provides accurate and reliable monitoring of locking element movements, reducing errors and improving safety and comfort by enabling comprehensive detection of positions, speeds, and accelerations, while minimizing sensor count and eliminating indifferent functional states.
Implementation Method 1
Hall sensors that respond to moving permanent magnets are used as sensors
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle closing device, which is provided with at least one closing element (1, 2), e.g. a rotary latch (1) and/or a pawl (2) as components of a motor vehicle lock. At least one sensor unit (4, 5) is also provided, which detects movements of the closing element (1, 2). According to the invention, the sensor unit (4, 5) is designed for three-dimensionally detecting the movements of the closing element (1, 2).