Vehicle Latch Assembly With Separate Dry-Side Control Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic vehicle door latches face challenges due to humidity and water ingress, which require high levels of waterproofness and add costs. Additionally, the limited space around the latch restricts the number of inputs/outputs, and regulatory constraints demand operation during power loss and accidents.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a vehicle latch assembly with an electronic latch located in the 'wet' side of the vehicle door and a separate door control unit positioned in the 'dry' side. The door control unit houses the electronics for controlling the latch and is secured to the latch via fasteners and electrical connectors that pass through a waterproofing layer, ensuring robust mechanical and electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the electronic latch is equipped with internal electronics for control, then the latch can operate automatically, but the electronics are susceptible to humidity and water ingress requiring high waterproofness
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate units: an electronic latch unit positioned in the wet area that handles mechanical locking functions, and a separate control unit positioned in the dry area that houses all electronic control components. This segmentation isolates sensitive electronics from harmful environmental factors while maintaining automatic operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control components are extracted from the latch mechanism and placed in a separate control unit located in the dry area of the door. This extraction removes the vulnerable electronics from the wet environment, eliminating the need for high-level waterproofing of the control electronics while preserving automatic functionality.
2Device complexity
If the electronic latch has integrated electronics, then control functions are built-in, but the space available limits the number of inputs/outputs
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into a compact latch unit and a separate control unit, the control unit can be positioned in the dry area where more space is available. This spatial segmentation allows the control unit to accommodate additional inputs and outputs without constraining the latch mechanism's compact design.
Solution Approach 2:
The control functions are moved from a two-dimensional integration within the latch housing to a three-dimensional separation where the control unit occupies a different spatial zone (the dry area behind the door panel). This dimensional transition provides access to additional space for expanded I/O capabilities.
3Reliability
If the electronic latch requires high waterproofness, then reliability in wet environment is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The expensive waterproofing requirements are extracted from the control electronics and applied only to the latch mechanism's external components. By relocating electronics to the dry area, the system eliminates the need for costly high-level waterproofing of electronic housings while maintaining reliability through the physical separation from moisture.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the system have different waterproofing requirements matched to their environmental exposure. The latch mechanism in the wet area receives appropriate waterproof protection, while the control unit in the dry area has minimal waterproofing needs. This localized quality approach optimizes cost by applying waterproofing measures only where necessary.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle latch assembly. The vehicle latch assembly including: an electronic latch; and a separate door control unit fixedly secured to an exterior housing of the electronic latch, wherein electronics for controlling operation of the electronic latch are located in the separate door control unit.