Power Door Actuation With Configurable Automatic And Assist Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power closure member actuation systems face challenges in achieving economies of scale and manufacturing complexity due to differing features in higher and lower end vehicles, making it difficult to provide enhanced operational capabilities and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A power closure member system with a controller that can operate in both automatic and power assist modes, utilizing a standardized actuator controlled by a controller with configurable features, allowing for reduced performance mode operation to accommodate various vehicle types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If power closure member actuation systems include different features for higher end and lower end vehicles, then operational capabilities and convenience are enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases and economies of scale are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single power closure member actuation system that can perform multiple functions through software configuration. The controller is programmed to support both automatic mode (for higher end vehicles) and power assist mode (for lower end vehicles), allowing the same hardware to serve different market segments without requiring separate designs. This enables economies of scale in manufacturing while maintaining adaptability to various vehicle types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the system's operational characteristics adjustable through software rather than fixed by hardware design. The controller can dynamically switch between automatic mode and power assist mode based on the vehicle configuration, allowing the same physical system to exhibit different behavioral characteristics. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by enabling feature variation without physical complexity.
2Productivity
If power closure member actuation systems are standardized across all vehicles, then manufacturing efficiencies improve, but the ability to provide enhanced operational capabilities in higher end vehicles is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by creating a universal actuation system that can deliver different levels of functionality through software configuration. The standardized hardware platform maintains manufacturing efficiency, while the programmable controller enables higher end vehicles to access enhanced automatic mode features and lower end vehicles to receive power assist mode features, thus maintaining adaptability without sacrificing standardization benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the software control parameters rather than physical design parameters. The same actuation system can be configured with different operational parameters (automatic mode vs. power assist mode) depending on the vehicle segment, allowing manufacturing standardization while maintaining the ability to provide enhanced capabilities where needed through software parameter adjustment.
3Device complexity
If a single controller supports multiple operating modes, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision and reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses this contradiction by designing a universal controller that maintains reliability through standardized hardware and well-defined software modes. Rather than creating multiple specialized controllers, the single controller uses clearly delineated operating modes (automatic and power assist) with distinct control algorithms, ensuring that each mode's reliability requirements are met while reducing overall device complexity through consolidation.
Data Source
AI summary
A power closure member system and method of operation are provided. The power closure member system includes an actuator to move a closure member. The power closure member system also includes a controller adapted to control the closure member using the actuator with a set of features. The controller is adapted to control the closure member with a subset of the features when operating in a reduced performance mode.