Vehicle Door Velocity Control via Actuator and Brake
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for closing vehicle doors, whether manual or automatic, often result in unintended high velocities, vibrations, and potential damage due to inadequate control over the closing process, leading to potential harm to the door and vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising sensors to detect door velocity and position, a brake to control the door's velocity, and an actuator to move the door to a closed position, with a controller managing the operation of these components to ensure a controlled and safe closure, utilizing a cinching latch for a tight seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual handle is used to close the door, then ease of operation is improved, but unintended high velocity and potential damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a powered door closing system with actuators that serve as an intermediary between the user's manual action and the door closure. The system detects user input through sensors and uses the actuator to control the closing velocity, preventing harmful high velocity while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs sensors to detect door position and velocity, providing feedback to the controller. This feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor the closing process and adjust the actuator output to maintain safe velocity limits throughout the door closure sequence.
2Ease of operation
If a powered actuator is used to close the door automatically, then ease of operation is improved, but door shaking, jitter, and improper sealing may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the actuator during door closure. The system adjusts the actuator velocity and force in real-time based on door position and detected conditions, enabling smooth acceleration and deceleration phases that prevent shaking and jitter while ensuring proper sealing at the closed position.
Solution Approach 2:
The door closing process is divided into periodic phases: initial movement phase, deceleration phase, and final sealing phase. Each phase has controlled velocity and force characteristics, with the actuator providing periodic adjustments to maintain stability throughout the closure sequence.
3Productivity
If the door closes at high velocity, then productivity is improved, but permanent damage to door and vehicle may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the velocity parameter throughout the door closing process. The actuator operates at higher velocities during the initial phase when the door is moving freely, then progressively reduces velocity as the door approaches the closed position, ensuring safe closing speed to prevent damage while maintaining overall productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for closing a door of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes: at least one sensor configured to detect a velocity and a position of the door; a brake configured to decrease the velocity of the door; an actuator configured to move the door to a closed position; and a controller configured to control operation of the at least one sensor, the brake, and the actuator.