The automotive power closure system is used for opening and closure applications in the door locks, door closure assists, power lift-gate, power sliding door, and power trunk lid. A door latch is a component of the closure system that keeps doors closed to prevent personal injury. A door latch is usually installed at the end of a door, and it catches a striker, a U-shaped hook mounted on a door frame. A conventional latch system has a wire connected to the door lever. When a passenger pulls the door lever, the wire pulls the latch system to release a strike mechanically. However, an electronic latch system mechanical release mechanism with an electronic one, by incorporating motors into the system. Closure system failures in automobiles are closely related to passenger injuries. As the closure systems are starting to adopt electrical components, the systems can exhibit new and unexpected failures. In addition, shared autonomous vehicle services that may be introduced in the near future may increase the level of uncertainty in predicting and preventing failures.
To address these issues, CALCE is collaborating with Hyundai Motor Group on developing a prognostics and health management (PHM) solution for automotive closure systems. An algorithm will be developed to detect anomalies and faults on an electronic latch in the closure system. This will allow timely and cost-effective maintenance and improve autonomous vehicle service availability. Mr. Jinwoo Nam from Hyundai Motor Group is spending a year as a visiting researcher at CALCE from Oct 2021 to Oct 2022 in order to work closely with CALCE’s PHM team. During his visit, Mr. Nam will contribute his expertise in the closure system to help the team deliver a practical PHM solution.
Please contact Dr. Michael H. Azarian if you are interested in Prognostics Applications in Automotive Electronics.
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