Vehicle Door Lock Emergency Release via NFC Energy Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles with electrical door locks face challenges in emergency unlocking during power failures, as existing solutions do not provide a reliable mechanism for manual unlocking without electrical power.
Innovation Solution
A device with a wireless data interface for authentication and energy transfer using NFC, coupled with a control unit and actuator, which releases the blocking mechanism allowing manual mechanical actuation to unlock the door, utilizing low power for the actuator to facilitate mechanical unlocking by the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If electrical actuators are used for door locking, then convenience and automation are improved, but reliability during power failure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The door locking system is divided into two independent parts: an electric actuator for normal operation and a mechanical actuating means for emergency operation. The locking means can be controlled either electrically or mechanically, ensuring that failure of one system does not prevent the other from functioning.
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless data interface serves as an intermediary between a mobile device and the door locking system. It receives authentication data and transmits energy wirelessly to activate the actuator, which then releases the locking means to enable manual mechanical actuation without requiring direct electrical power to the door lock.
2Reliability
If mechanical locking cylinders are used, then emergency unlocking is reliable, but ease of operation and modern security integration deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrical and mechanical locking mechanisms into a single integrated system. The electric actuator and mechanical actuating means share common components such as the locking means, door lock, and actuation path, allowing the system to function in both electrical and mechanical modes without requiring separate complete systems.
3Power
If full power actuators are used for unlocking, then unlocking capability is improved, but energy consumption during authentication deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator performs only a partial action during emergency unlocking - it releases the locking means from its blocked position but does not complete the full unlocking sequence. The mechanical actuating means completes the remaining action, allowing the actuator to use minimal energy while still achieving the emergency unlocking function.
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 emergency unlocking of vehicle doors without electrical power by using a mobile device for authentication and energy supply, ensuring the actuator only releases the locking mechanism, allowing manual operation to complete the unlocking process, thus addressing the power failure issue with low energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The wireless transmission of energy, particularly over short distances, is known from various coupling standards, particularly NFC connections. In such connections, mobile devices for operating passive devices are brought within a very short distance of a few millimeters or centimeters to a receiving coil, via which energy is transmitted through the creation of electromagnetic fields
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for an emergency unlocking process of a door lock (60) on a motor vehicle, comprising an actuation means (13) for coupling to a door lock (60). A blocking means (31) is coupled to an actuator (10; 34) and can be moved from a blocking position into a release position, wherein the blocking means blocks the movement of the actuation means (13) in the blocking position and thus blocks and unlocking of the door lock. A wireless data interface (14) is coupled to an electronic controller (15) and the actuator. Legitimation data as well as energy for operating the actuator (10; 34) and the controller (15) are received from a mobile device (16) coupled to the data interface. On the basis of the received legitimation data, the actuator is actuated in order to convert the blocking means from the blocking position into the release position. A mechanical access device (12) is operatively connected to the actuation means (13) in order to move the unblocked actuation means in order to unlock the door lock (60).