Vehicle Flap Lock Control With Two-Step Actuation Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock arrangements for motor vehicle flaps lack a simple and secure design that meets safety requirements, particularly in preventing unintentional opening due to actuator malfunctions or incorrect control.
Innovation Solution
A lock arrangement operated by a single actuator requiring two separate displacements controlled by two separate control units, each meeting ASIL-B safety standards, ensuring secure transitions between locking, unlocking, and release positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single actuator is used to operate the lock arrangement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability may be compromised due to potential malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The control function is segmented into two separate control units, each independently controlling one of two switches. This segmentation allows the system to use a simpler single-actuator design while maintaining high reliability through redundant control paths. Each control unit operates independently, so a failure in one does not necessarily compromise the entire locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system requires a specific sequence of actions: the actuating element must be displaced twice in predetermined directions, with each displacement detected by separate sensors. This preliminary action requirement prevents accidental or unintended unlocking, as the system verifies the intentional sequence before changing lock state. The double-displacement requirement acts as a preliminary safety check.
2Ease of operation
If the lock is released with a single actuation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of unintentional opening increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system requires a specific sequence of actions: the actuating element must be displaced twice in predetermined directions, with each displacement detected by separate sensors. This preliminary action requirement prevents accidental or unintended unlocking, as the system verifies the intentional sequence before changing lock state. The double-displacement requirement acts as a preliminary safety check.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through two separate sensors that detect the direction and extent of actuating element displacement. This feedback allows the control units to verify that the correct sequence of displacements has occurred, providing confirmation of intentional operation before releasing the lock. The feedback loop ensures that unintentional openings are prevented while maintaining ease of intentional operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a lock arrangement for a motor vehicle, the lock arrangement has a lock which fixes a vehicle flap movably mounted on the motor vehicle in a closed position when the lock is in the locking position, holds it in the closed position when the lock is in the unlocking position or releases it for displacement into a first open position and releases it for displacement into a second open position different from the first open position when the lock is in the release position. The lock is actuated using an actuator by which an actuating element can be displaced. The lock is brought from the locking position to the unlocking position upon a first displacement of the actuating element and from the unlocking position to the release position upon a second displacement of the actuating element.