Motor Vehicle Lock Pulling Shut Device Adaptive Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle lock systems face challenges in adapting to individual requirements and detecting deviations in control variables, leading to inefficient and unreliable closing processes.

Innovation Solution

A motor vehicle lock system with a locking mechanism featuring a rotary latch and pawl, an electric drive, and a control unit that uses self-calibration to determine an intermediate switching time for full-force operation, detecting current peaks to prevent trapping and adjust the closing process based on measured variables, allowing for precise control and anti-trap protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the closing device operates with constant force throughout the closing process, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to individual requirements and detect deviations in control variables

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to individual requirementsVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closing device transitions from static constant-force operation to dynamic adaptive control. The control unit continuously adjusts the closing force based on real-time current measurements and compares it against stored reference curves, enabling the system to adapt to individual vehicle requirements and detect deviations automatically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback control by measuring the actual current consumed by the electric drive during closing, comparing it with stored reference curves representing proper closing behavior, and adjusting the closing process accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables detection of deviations and automatic adaptation to individual requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the closing process is controlled with simple constant force, then the device is easy to operate, but pinching and trapping cannot be prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-trap protectionVSAvoidcontrol mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit continuously monitors the current consumed by the electric drive during closing and compares it against stored reference curves that represent proper closing behavior. When deviations are detected indicating potential pinching or trapping, the system can interrupt or reverse the closing process, providing reliable anti-trap protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection during the closing process by continuously monitoring current characteristics against reference curves. This early detection of abnormal current patterns enables preventive action before actual pinching or trapping occurs, allowing the closing process to be interrupted or reversed in time to prevent harm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the closing device uses fixed control parameters, then the manufacturing is simple, but it cannot be optimized for individual vehicles throughout service life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclosing efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit performs preliminary self-calibration during manufacturing by executing closing processes and storing the resulting current characteristics as reference curves. This preliminary action captures the optimal closing parameters for the specific vehicle, enabling the system to be optimized for individual vehicles without complex manual adjustment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-calibration automatically during manufacturing by executing closing processes and storing the resulting current characteristics as reference curves. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex manual adjustment procedures while enabling optimization for individual vehicles, as the system automatically adapts to the specific vehicle's characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 reliable and adaptive control of the closing process, preventing pinching and ensuring safe operation by detecting deviations in current pulses, allowing for continuous optimization and anti-pinch protection throughout the vehicle's service life.

Implementation Method 1

current peaks in the commutator transition of an electric motor of the drive can be detected

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3963156B1Lock comprising a pulling shut device for a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 KIEKERT AG
  • EP3963156B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a lock (1) for a motor vehicle, said lock comprising: a locking mechanism (2) consisting of a rotary latch (3) and at least one pawl (4); a pulling shut device (9) having an electric drive (17), wherein the locking mechanism (2) can be transferred from a pre-locking position (VR) into a main locking position (HR) by means of the pulling shut device (9); and a control unit (S) for the pulling shut device (9), wherein a pulling shut operation can be controlled depending on a measurement value associated with the electric drive (17), and the pulling shut operation being controllable by means of a number of electric pulses (24, 25, 26) generated during the pulling shut operation.