Vehicle Electronic Latch Control for Wash Mode Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic latches in vehicles fail to maintain closure modules in a closed position during washing, leading to unintended opening due to external triggers like water and brushes, which can cause damage or inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A control method and system that assesses the vehicle's wash mode based on sensors and user inputs, preventing the electronic latch from transitioning to an unlatched position when the vehicle is in wash mode, thereby maintaining the closure module in a locked state even when an unlatch signal is received.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the electronic latch transitions to unlatched position in response to handle switch signal, then the closure module can be opened for normal operation, but the closure module may unintendedly open during vehicle washing causing damage or inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The control module pre-establishes a wash mode based on detected washing conditions (water presence, vehicle stationary status) before the handle switch signal is received. This preliminary state determination allows the system to differentiate between intentional opening requests and spurious signals generated during washing, enabling selective response to unlatch commands only when appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module acts as an intermediary between the handle switch and the electronic latch, filtering unlatch signals based on the wash mode state. When wash mode is active, the control module blocks the transmission of the unlatch command to the electronic latch, preventing unintended opening while still allowing normal operation when washing is not detected.
2Reliability
If the electronic latch maintains latched position during wash mode, then the closure module remains secure during washing, but the closure module cannot be opened when not in wash mode
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the electronic latch's response characteristics based on the detected operating conditions. The control module continuously monitors washing parameters and modifies the latch behavior accordingly - maintaining a blocked state during washing and a responsive state during normal operation. This dynamic adaptation allows the same hardware to serve multiple operational requirements without modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module changes the operational parameters of the electronic latch based on the wash mode state. When washing is detected, the system alters the latch's responsiveness parameter, effectively changing its state from signal-responsive to signal-resistant. This parameter modification enables the latch to maintain position during washing while preserving normal opening functionality when washing is not detected.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic latch control method includes receiving an unlatch signal from at least one handle switch associated with a closure module of a vehicle, and assessing whether the vehicle is in a wash mode. The method, when in the wash mode, responds to the unlatch signal by maintaining an electronic latch in a latched position to maintain the closure module in a closed position.