Supercapacitor Diagnosis in Vehicle Door Latches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for diagnosing supercapacitors in electronically actuated door latches of motor vehicles are complex, time-consuming, and require removal of the latch and supercapacitor from the vehicle, making it difficult to assess functionality and remaining lifetime effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method involving measuring open load voltage and current, and load voltage and current during discharging, to establish a functional dependency and determine a diagnostic value, which can be used to assess the supercapacitor's functionality and remaining lifetime, using a computing device integrated within the door latch arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional diagnostic methods are used to assess supercapacitor functionality, then measurement accuracy can be achieved, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming requiring removal of components
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic system uses the existing door latch control unit and integrated sensors to perform self-diagnosis of the supercapacitor. The control unit measures voltage and current during normal operation and door actuation events, eliminating the need for external diagnostic equipment and component removal. This self-service approach maintains measurement accuracy while dramatically simplifying the diagnostic process.
Solution Approach 2:
The door latch control unit is designed to perform multiple functions: normal door actuation control, energy management of the supercapacitor, and diagnostic measurement of supercapacitor health. By integrating these functions into a single control unit, the system eliminates the need for separate diagnostic equipment and component removal, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and diagnostic complexity.
2Reliability
If conventional diagnostic methods are used to assess supercapacitor functionality, then comprehensive testing can be performed, but the time required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors and stores voltage and current data during normal operation and door actuation events. By performing preliminary measurements during regular vehicle operation, the system has diagnostic data ready when needed, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-demand testing and component removal procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic system performs automatic assessment during normal door operation without requiring vehicle downtime or specialized equipment. The control unit autonomously measures parameters, processes data, and determines supercapacitor health status, significantly reducing diagnostic time while maintaining reliability.
3Measurement precision
If the supercapacitor is tested outside the vehicle, then accurate functionality assessment is possible, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic system performs measurements in-situ within the vehicle using the existing control unit and sensors. The system automatically measures voltage and current during normal operation and door actuation, processing data locally to assess supercapacitor health. This eliminates the need for component removal and external testing equipment, maintaining measurement precision while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The door latch control unit is designed to perform both normal door actuation control and supercapacitor diagnostic measurement functions. This multi-functionality allows accurate in-situ measurement without requiring external equipment or component removal, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and ease of operation.
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 method allows for a quick, accurate, and reliable assessment of supercapacitor functionality and remaining lifetime without the need to remove the latch or supercapacitor from the vehicle, ensuring the emergency door opening mechanism is functional.
Implementation Method 1
measuring an open load voltage and an open load current of the at least one supercapacitor during open load of the at least one supercapacitor, measuring a load voltage and a load current of the at least one supercapacitor during discharging the at least one supercapacitor
Implementation Method 2
The charging and discharging process of a supercapacitor is based on the separation and movement of ions in the electrolyte. When a supercapacitor is charged, positive ions are bound to one electrode while negative ions are simultaneously bound to the other electrode.
Implementation Method 3
Supercapacitors, also known as ultracapacitors or super-caps, are special electrical energy storage devices capable of storing and releasing large amounts of electrical energy in a short period of time
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for diagnosing at least one supercapacitor (3) configured for actuating an electronically actuated door latch (2) of a motor vehicle (8), comprising the following steps: measuring an open load voltage and an open load current of the at least one supercapacitor (3) during open load of the at least one supercapacitor (3), measuring a load voltage and a load current of the at least one supercapacitor (3) during discharging the at least one supercapacitor (3), establishing a functional dependency between the open load voltage, the open load current, the load voltage and the load current, and determining a diagnostic value based on the functional dependency. In this way an easy, cheap and reliable solution for diagnosing a supercapacitor in an electronically actuated door latch is provided.