Self-Learning Power Door Control for Changing Seal Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power closure member actuation systems face challenges due to varying seal loads over the life of a vehicle, affecting consistent performance and causing issues such as doors opening too far or shutting unexpectedly, especially on inclined surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A power closure member actuation system with an actuator, feedback sensor, and controller that adjusts the closure member's speed to account for varying seal loads, using a feedback loop to maintain consistent operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a power closure member actuation system uses a fixed-speed actuator to move the closure member, then the system structure is simple, but the performance becomes inconsistent as seal load varies over the vehicle life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a sensor detects the actual speed of the closure member during movement, and the controller adjusts the actuator speed based on this feedback to compensate for varying seal loads. This ensures consistent performance throughout the vehicle life while managing system complexity through electronic control rather than mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a fixed-speed actuator to a dynamically adjustable speed system. The actuator speed is no longer constant but varies in real-time based on the closure member's actual speed and the detected seal load conditions, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions over the vehicle life.
2Speed
If the actuator speed is increased to compensate for reduced seal load, then the closure member moves faster, but the closure member may overshoot or open too far on inclined surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system continuously monitors the closure member speed and position, allowing the controller to adjust the actuator output in real-time. This prevents overshooting and maintains stable position control even when compensating for reduced seal load, as the system can detect and correct deviations from the desired trajectory.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary counteracting force through the feedback control to prevent the harmful effect of overshooting. By detecting the closure member's motion state in advance, the controller can reduce actuator speed before the closure member reaches the target position, preventing unwanted door positions on inclined surfaces.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the actuator speed is decreased to maintain position control, then the closure member moves more accurately, but the system cannot compensate for reduced seal load over vehicle life
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic speed adjustment rather than a fixed low speed. The actuator speed adapts in real-time based on feedback from the sensor and controller, allowing the system to maintain accurate position control when needed while compensating for reduced seal load when necessary, ensuring consistent performance throughout the vehicle life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the actuator dynamically. Instead of maintaining a constant low speed for position control, the system varies speed parameters based on detected conditions, including compensation for seal load degradation over the vehicle life, thus achieving both position accuracy and long-term reliability.
4Reliability
If a feedback sensor and controller are added to adjust actuator speed, then consistent performance is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a feedback sensor and controller to achieve consistent performance throughout the vehicle life. The sensor detects closure member speed and position, while the controller processes this information and adjusts actuator speed accordingly, compensating for seal load variations and maintaining reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical speed adjustment mechanisms with an electronic feedback control system. Instead of using mechanical variable speed drives or complex linkages, the system uses electronic sensing and control to achieve the same performance, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A power closure member actuation system for moving a closure member of a vehicle between an open position and a closed position relative to a vehicle body. The system includes an actuator configured to move the closure member relative to the vehicle body. The system further includes a closure member feedback sensor for determining at least one of a position and a speed of the closure member. A controller is in communication with the closure member feedback sensor and the actuator. The controller is configured to control movement of the closure member by the actuator while sensing the speed of the closure member using the closure member feedback sensor. The controller is also configured to adjust the speed of the closure member moving toward the closed position to account for a seal load of at least one closure member seal varying over a life of the vehicle.