Claims:We claim:

1. A system (100) for controlling operation of a closure (101) in a vehicle, the system (100) comprising:
a sensor (102), interfaced with the closure (101) of the vehicle, the sensor (102) is configured to detect a tactile input on a predefined portion of the closure (101) to operate the closure (101) of the vehicle;
a locking unit (103), coupled to the closure (101) and a body of the vehicle, the locking unit (103) configured to lock and unlock the closure (101) relative to the body of the vehicle; and
an electronic control unit (ECU) (104), communicatively coupled to the sensor (102) and the locking unit (103), wherein the ECU (104) is configured to:
receive a signal to operate the closure (101) of the vehicle from the sensor (102);
determine a state of vehicle locking condition from a body control module of the vehicle associated with the ECU (104); and
operate the locking unit (103) to unlock the closure (101) based on the determination.

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ECU (104) is configured to unlock the locking unit (103), when the state of the vehicle locking condition is determined to be unlocked.

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor (102) is at least one of a vibration sensor, a displacement transducer, a strain gauge, and an accelerometer.

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tactile input sensed by the sensor (102) is based on a preset tapping pattern on the predefined portion of the closure (101).

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the preset tapping pattern is at least one of a knock, a double knock, a pat, a pressure input provided for a predefined period and drawing a preset pattern on the predefined portion of the closure (101).

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the locking unit (103) is an electromechanical latch, selectively operable between a latched condition and an unlatched condition.

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises an actuation mechanism (105) provided between the closure (101) and the body of the vehicle, wherein the actuation mechanism (105) is structured to operate the closure (101) to an open position upon operation of the locking unit (103) to unlock the closure (101).

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the actuation mechanism (105) is a spring-loaded hinge comprising:
a pivot pin (106), connectable to the body of the vehicle; and
a torsion spring (107), coaxially disposed on the pivot pin (106), the torsion spring (107) comprises a first end (108) coupled to the closure (101) and a second end (109) coupled to the body of the vehicle,
wherein, the first end (108) of the torsion spring (107) is configured to bias the closure (101) relative to the body of the vehicle, by exerting torque on the closure (101), upon operation of the locking unit (103) to unlock the closure (101).

9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the actuation mechanism (105) is an electrical drive unit comprising:
at least one gear (110, 111), mounted on each of the closure (101) and the body of the vehicle;
a stepper motor (112), disposed in the body of the vehicle, the stepper motor (112) operatively coupled to the ECU (104); and
a shaft (113), operatively coupled to the stepper motor (112) and to the at least one gear (110, 111) mounted on each of the closure (101) and the body of the vehicle, the shaft (113) configured to selectively drive the at least one gear (110, 111) mounted on the body of the vehicle,
wherein, the ECU (104) is configured to selectively operate the stepper motor (112) to drive the shaft (113), to extend and retract the closure (101) relative to the body of the vehicle.

10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the actuation mechanism (105) is an electromagnetic drive unit comprising:
a pair of electromagnets (114, 115), each mounted on the closure (101) and the body of the vehicle,
wherein, the pair of electromagnets (114, 115) are energized electrically by the ECU (104) to selectively repel each other, to operate the closure (101) to the open position upon operation of the locking unit (103) to unlock the closure (101).

11. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the closure (101) is at least one of side doors, tailgate, bonnet, hood, roof cover and fuel tank lid of the vehicle.

12. A method (200) of controlling operation of a closure (101) of a vehicle, the method (200) comprising:
receiving (201), by an electronic control unit (ECU) (104), a signal to operate the closure (101) of the vehicle from a sensor (102), wherein the sensor (102) is positioned in the closure (101) of the vehicle and is configured to detect a tactile input on a predefined portion of the closure (101);
determining (202), by the ECU (104), a state of vehicle locking condition from a body control module of the vehicle associated with the ECU (104); and
operating (203), by the ECU (104), a locking unit (103) to unlock the closure (101) based on the determination, wherein the locking unit (103) is coupled to the closure (101) and a body of the vehicle, the locking unit (103) configured to lock and unlock the closure (101) relative to the body of the vehicle.

13. The method (200) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the ECU (104) is configured to unlock the locking unit (103), when the state of the vehicle locking condition is determined to be unlocked.

14. The method (200) as claimed in claim 12, comprises, operating, by the ECU (104), an actuation mechanism (105) provided between the closure (101) and the body of the vehicle, to operate the closure (101) to an open condition upon operating the locking unit (103) to unlock the closure (101).

15. The method (200) as claimed in claim 12, wherein tactile input sensed by the sensor (102) is based on a preset tapping pattern on the predefined portion of the closure (101).

16. The method (200) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the locking unit (103) is an electromechanical latch, selectively operable between a latched condition and an unlatched condition.

17. A vehicle comprising a system (100) for controlling operation of a closure (101) as claimed in claim 1.

Dated this 27th March 2021

GOPINATH A S
IN/PA – 1852
OF K&S PARTNERS
AGENT OF THE APPLICANT(S)
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
Present disclosure, in general, relates to the field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to operation of doors and closures of a vehicle. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a system for controlling operation of a closure in a vehicle and a method thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Vehicles are generally equipped with doors for providing access to cabin space and for ingress and egress of passengers. The doors may generally be manually operated doors or electrically driven doors (also known as power doors). Further, closures in the vehicle may be of a myriad of forms, which may enable an operator or user or driver access to portions of the vehicle. For example, side doors of the vehicle may provide access to driver and passenger cabins of the vehicles. A tailgate or a rear door is provided at rear portion of the vehicle, for accessing trunk or boot of the vehicle. A fuel tank lid or a cap is provided for protection and for controlling access to the fuel tank of the vehicle. A bonnet or a hinged metal canopy is provided as a cover for engine of the vehicle. Also, vehicles may be equipped with sunroof to allow more natural light in the cabin space.

Conventionally, most vehicles include a central locking system (also known as electric door locking system or power door locking systems) for operation of the closure such as, doors, bonnet, fuel tank lid and sunroof of the vehicle. With such configuration, the closure may be automatically opened or closed by actuation of a button associated with the central locking system, or by operation of a smart key associated with the central locking system. Although conventional vehicles are equipped with the central locking system, operation handle and levers are provided for opening and closing of the closures in the vehicle, whereby affecting aesthetical appeal and/or aerodynamic profile of the vehicle. A key operated locking mechanism may be provided to access the fuel tank lid of the vehicle. Sunroof may be manually opened/closed (may be slidably or pivotally) by a user.

Operational handle and levers that are provided on surface of closures, compromise aesthetic appearance of the closures and vehicle as a whole. Further, such operational handles and levers may be prone to mechanical malfunctions and may necessitate regular servicing and maintenance for smooth operation. Further, visually impaired and/or physically challenged users may find it difficult to operate the handles and levers, while requiring access to the vehicle. In addition, closures, such as tailgate and sliding side door(s), are larger in size and heavier in weight, in comparison with their counterpart swinging doors. Operation of such heavier and larger size closures is cumbersome and may not be possible for an individual user.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the conventional configuration of the door opening and closing systems.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a system for controlling operation of a closure in a vehicle and a method thereof as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the system and the method as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for controlling operation of a closure in a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a sensor interfaced with the closure of the vehicle. The sensor is configured to detect a tactile input on a predefined portion of the closure to operate the closure of the vehicle. The system further includes a locking unit, coupled to the closure and a body of the vehicle. The locking unit is configured to lock and unlock the closure relative the body of the vehicle. The system further includes an electronic control unit (ECU), communicatively coupled to the sensor and the locking unit. The ECU is configured to receive a signal to operate the closure of the vehicle from the sensor. Further, the ECU determines a state of vehicle locking condition from a body control module of the vehicle associated with the ECU. Further, the ECU operates the locking unit to unlock the closure based on the determination.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the ECU is configured to unlock the locking unit, when the state of the vehicle locking condition is determined to be unlocked.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor is at least one of a vibration sensor, a displacement transducer, a strain gauge, and an accelerometer.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the tactile input sensed by the sensor is based on a preset tapping pattern on the predefined portion of the closure.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the preset tapping pattern is at least one of a knock, a double knock, a pat, a pressure input provided for a predefined period and drawing a preset pattern on the predefined portion of the closure.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the locking unit is an electromechanical latch, selectively operable between a latched condition and an unlatched condition.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the system includes an actuation mechanism provided between the closure and the body of the vehicle. The actuation mechanism is structured to operate the closure to an open position upon operation of the locking unit to unlock the closure.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the actuation mechanism is a spring-loaded hinge. The spring-loaded hinge includes a pivot pin, connectable to the body of the vehicle. The spring-loaded hinge further includes a torsion spring, coaxially disposed on the pivot pin. The torsion spring includes a first end coupled to the closure and a second end coupled to the body of the vehicle. The first end of the torsion spring is configured to bias the closure relative to the body of the vehicle. The first end of the torsion spring biases the closure by exerting torque on the closure, upon operation of the locking unit to unlock the closure.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the actuation mechanism is an electrical drive unit. The electrical drive unit includes at least one gear, mounted on each of the closure and the body of the vehicle. The electrical drive unit further includes a stepper motor disposed in the body of the vehicle. The stepper motor is operatively coupled to the ECU. The electrical drive unit further includes a shaft, operatively coupled to the stepper motor and to the at least one gear mounted on each of the closure and the body of the vehicle. The shaft is configured to selectively drive the at least one gear mounted on the body of the vehicle. The ECU is configured to selectively operate the stepper motor to drive the shaft, to extend and retract the closure relative to the body of the vehicle.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the actuation mechanism is an electromagnetic drive unit. The electromagnetic drive unit includes a pair of electromagnets, each mounted on the closure and the body of the vehicle. The pair of electromagnets are energized electrically by the ECU to selectively repel each other. Such selective repulsion between the pair of electromagnets operates the closure to the open position, upon operation of the locking unit to unlock the closure.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the closure is at least one of side doors, tailgate, bonnet, hood, roof cover and fuel tank lid of the vehicle.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of controlling operation of a closure of a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes receiving, by an electronic control unit (ECU), a signal to operate the closure of the vehicle from a sensor. The sensor is positioned in the closure of the vehicle and is configured to detect a tactile input on a predefined portion of the closure. The method further includes determining, by the ECU, a state of vehicle locking condition. The state of vehicle locking condition is determined from a body control module of the vehicle associated with the ECU. The method further includes operating, by the ECU, a locking unit to unlock the closure based on the determination. The locking unit is coupled to the closure and a body of the vehicle. Further, the locking unit is configured to lock and unlock the closure relative the body of the vehicle.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method includes operating, by the ECU, an actuation mechanism provided between the closure and the body of the vehicle. The actuation mechanism is operated to actuate the closure to an open condition, upon operating the locking unit to unlock the closure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a system for controlling operation of a closure in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 illustrates an actuation mechanism for the system of figure 1, the actuation mechanism being a spring-loaded hinge.

Figure 3 illustrates an actuation mechanism for the system of figure 1, the actuation mechanism being an electrical drive unit.

Figure 4 illustrates an actuation mechanism for the system of figure 1, the actuation mechanism being an electromagnetic drive unit.

Figure 5 is a flow chart of a method of controlling operation of the closure of the vehicle.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the system and the method illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by the way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, such that a device, assembly, mechanism, system, method that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such system, or assembly, or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or method.

Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a system for controlling operation of a closure in a vehicle. The system includes a sensor interfaced with the closure of the vehicle. The sensor is configured to detect a tactile input on a predefined portion of the closure to operate the closure of the vehicle. The system further includes a locking unit, coupled to the closure and a body of the vehicle. The locking unit is configured to lock and unlock the closure relative the body of the vehicle. The system further includes an electronic control unit (ECU), communicatively coupled to the sensor and the locking unit. The ECU is configured to receive a signal to operate the closure of the vehicle from the sensor. Further, the ECU determines a state of vehicle locking condition from a body control module of the vehicle associated with the ECU. Further, the ECU operates the locking unit to unlock the closure based on the determination. In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure also disclose a method of controlling operation of the closure of the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the term ‘closure’ as used herein refers to at least one a door, side doors, tailgate, bonnet, hood, roof cover, fuel tank lid and any other opening of the vehicle that may be operationally closed and/or accessed by an operator or a driver. The ‘closure’ may be operated by an operator/user of the vehicle to perform at least one of ingress and egress of the user from the vehicle, accessing cabin of the vehicle for loading or unloading of articles, to access a certain feature of the vehicle, and to access the fuel tank by removing the fuel tank lid of the vehicle.

The disclosure is described in the following paragraphs with reference to Figures 1 to 5. In the figures, the same element or elements which have same functions are indicated by the same reference signs. It is to be noted that, the vehicle and the entire vehicle body including the closure is not illustrated in the figures for the purpose of simplicity. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the system and the method as disclosed in the present disclosure may be used in any vehicles that employs/includes at least one closure, where such vehicle may include, but not be limited to, light duty vehicles, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and the like.

Figure 1 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates a system (100) for controlling operation of a closure (101) in a vehicle. The system (100) includes a sensor (102) interfaced with the closure (101) of the vehicle. However, the system (100) may also be configured to employ a plurality of sensors (102) interfaced with each closure (101) of the vehicle. Further, the sensor (102) may be configured to detect a tactile input on a predefined portion of the closure (101) to operate the closure (101) of the vehicle. The system (100) may further include a locking unit (103) coupled to the closure (101) and a body of the vehicle. The locking unit (103) may be configured to lock and unlock the closure (101) relative the body of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the locking unit (103) is an electromechanical latch, disposed in the closure (101), and is configured to selectively engage with a locking member in the body of the vehicle, for locking and unlocking the closure (101) with the body of the vehicle.

The system (100) may further include an electronic control unit (ECU) (104). The ECU (104) may be communicatively coupled to the sensor (102) and the locking unit (103). The ECU (104) may be configured to receive a signal to operate the closure (101) of the vehicle. The signal to operate the closure (101) may be received from the sensor (102). Upon receiving the signal, the ECU (104) may determine a state of vehicle locking condition from a body control module of the vehicle. The body control module may be communicatively coupled to a central locking system (also interchangeably referred to as electric door locks or power door lock) of the vehicle, that may be associated with the ECU (104). Subsequent to determining the state of vehicle locking condition, the ECU (104) may operate the locking unit (103) to unlock the closure (101). The closure (101) may be unlocked based on the determination of the vehicle locking condition. In an embodiment, the ECU (104) may be configured to unlock the locking unit (103), when the state of the vehicle locking condition is determined to be unlocked. Conversely, the ECU (104) may be configured to retain a locked state (not to unlock) of the locking unit (103), when the state of the vehicle locking condition is determined to be locked.

The phrase ‘unlock the closure (101)’ as used herein refers to an accessible condition of the closure (101). The closure (101), for instance a door/tailgate, in ‘unlock’ condition, is extended away from the body of the vehicle (i.e., in open condition) and is suitable for ingress/egress of a user. However, the closure (101), for example, a fuel tank lid in the unlock condition, is accessible by the user for filling fuel. Also, the closure (101) in the lock condition, is inaccessible by the user and may be in a retraced condition, relative to the body of the vehicle. In the retraced condition, the closure (101) may be flush with the surface of the body of the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the sensor (102) may be configured to detect the tactile input provided by a user. The tactile input detected by the sensor (102) may be based on a preset tapping pattern on the predefined portion of the closure (101). The preset tapping pattern may be a pressure input provided by the user for a predefined period (which may be a contact duration based detection), drawing a preset pattern on the predefined portion of the closure (101), a pat on the closure (101) and the like. In the illustrative embodiment, the preset tapping pattern is a knock on the closure (101). The sensor (102) may be at least one of a vibration sensor, a displacement transducer, a strain gauge, an accelerometer, and any other sensor capable of detecting the tactile input provided by the user for accessing the closure (101) of the vehicle. Further, the sensor (102) may also be at least one of a piezoelectric accelerometer, a velocity sensor, proximity probes (based on capacitance and/or eddy current), a laser displacement sensor and a unidirectional accelerometer.

In an embodiment, the predefined portion of the closure (101) may be a predefined region on the surface of the closure (101). The predefined portion may be defined such that, the sensor (102) is enabled to detect the tactile input without any lag/errors. The predefined portion may be defined on at least one of an internal surface and an external surface of the closure (101), based on nature of the sensor (102) being employed for detection of said tactile input. Alternatively, when the sensor (102) is not positioned on the closure (101) but is placed on a neighboring member or on the body of the vehicle, in the vicinity of the closure (101), the predefined portion may be defined on the surface of that neighboring member or on the body of the vehicle. In an embodiment, when the predefined portion is defined on both the internal surface and the external surface of the closure (101), the user may provide tactile input at both the internal surface and external surface of the closure (101). Further, when the predefined portion is defined on both the internal surface and the external surface of the closure (101), the sensor (102) may be configured to sense the tactile input on both the internal surface and external surface of the closure (101). Also, detection of the tactile input on the closure (101) may be determined by incorporating a plurality of sensors (102), that may be provided on both the internal surface and external surface of the closure (101). The predefined portion of the closure (101) may be defined on a central region of the closure (101). However, the predefined portion of the closure (101) may also be defined in at least one of an intermediate region between the closure (101) and the body of the vehicle, and in the vicinity of perimeter of the closure (101).

In an embodiment, the locking unit (103) may be an electromechanical latch. The electromechanical latch may be operable to selectively couple the closure (101) and the body of the vehicle. The electromechanical latch may be configured to lock and unlock the closure (101) relative the body of the vehicle. The electromechanical latch may be selectively operable between a latched condition and an unlatched condition. The latched condition and the unlatched condition of the electromechanical latch corresponds to the ‘lock condition’ and ‘unlock condition’ of the closure (101). Accordingly, in the latched condition, the closure (101) (which is in ‘lock’ condition) is inaccessible by the user and the closure (101) is in a retraced condition, relative to the body of the vehicle. Meanwhile, in the unlatched condition of the electromechanical latch, the closure (101) (which is in ‘unlock’ condition) is accessible by the user and is extended away from the body of the vehicle. The electromechanical latch may include a circuit configured to lock and unlock the closure (101), relative to the body of the vehicle. The electromechanical latch may further include a relay embedded on the circuit. The relay may be configured to break the circuit, when the ECU (104) receives a signal to unlock the electromechanical latch.

Referring to Figure 1 again, the system (100) further includes an actuation mechanism (105). The actuation mechanism (105) may be provided between the closure (101) and the body of the vehicle. The actuation mechanism (105) may be structured to operate the closure (101) to an open position upon operation of the locking unit (103) to unlock the closure (101). In some embodiments, the actuation mechanism (105) may be operatively coupled to the ECU (104) and may be configured to work in tandem with the locking unit (103) to operate the closure (101).

In an embodiment, the actuation mechanism (105) may be a spring-loaded hinge, as illustrated in Figure 2. The spring-loaded hinge includes a pivot pin (106) connectable to the body of the vehicle. A torsion spring (107) may be coaxially disposed on the pivot pin (106). The torsion spring (107) may include a first end (108) coupled to the closure (101) and a second end (109) coupled to the body of the vehicle. The first end (108) of the torsion spring (107) may be configured to bias the closure (101), relative to the body of the vehicle. Biasing of the closure (101), by the first end (108), may be performed by exerting torque on the closure (101). The closure (101) may be biased by the first end (108), upon operation of the locking unit (103) to unlock the closure (101). In the latched condition of the locking unit (103), the first end (108) and the second end (109) are closer to each other, and the spring-loaded hinge possesses elastic potential energy. Upon operation of the locking unit (103) to unlatched condition, to unlock the closure (101), the possessed elastic potential energy is released. By virtue of such release of the possessed elastic potential energy, the first end (108) exerts torque on the closure (101). The exerted torque forces away the closure (101) away from the body of the vehicle, thereby unlocking of the closure (101).

In an embodiment, the actuation mechanism (105) may be an electrical drive unit, as illustrated in Figure 3. The electrical drive unit may include at least one gear (110, 111), mounted on each of the closure (101) and the body of the vehicle. In the embodiment, a first gear (110) may be mounted onto the body of the vehicle, while a second gear (111) may be mounted on the closure (101). As depicted in Figure 3, the first gear (110) may be meshingly engaged with the second gear (111). The electrical drive unit may further include a stepper motor (112). The stepper motor (112) may be disposed in the body of the vehicle and may be operatively coupled to the ECU (104). Further, a shaft (113) may be operatively coupled to the stepper motor (112) and to the at least one gear (110, 111). In the embodiment, the first gear (110) may be operatively coupled to the stepper motor (112), via the shaft (113). The shaft (113) may be configured to selectively drive the at least one gear (110, 111), upon operation of the stepper motor (112) by the ECU (104). The ECU (104) may be configured to actuate the stepper motor (112) to drive the shaft (113). In the embodiment, operation of the stepper motor (112) drives the shaft (113) to rotate first gear (110), and thereby the second gear (111). Rotation of the second gear (111) in a first direction, displaces the closure (101) away from the body of the vehicle. Conversely, by rotating the second gear (111) in a second direction, the closure (101) may be retracted towards the body of the vehicle. With the above-described configuration of the electrical drive unit, the closure (101) may be extended and retracted, relative to the body of the vehicle. Further, in an embodiment, the at least one gear (110, 111) may be a partial gear mounted on each of the closure (101) and the body of the vehicle.

In an embodiment, the actuation mechanism (105) may be an electromagnetic drive unit, as illustrated in Figure 4. The electromagnetic drive unit may include a pair of electromagnets (114, 115), each of which is mounted on the closure (101) and the body of the vehicle. The pair of electromagnets (114, 115) may be electrically connected to a power supply (117) through electrical circuitry (116). The power supply (117) may be operatively coupled to the ECU (104). The pair of electromagnets (114, 115) may be energized electrically by the ECU (104) (via the power supply (117)), to selectively repel each other. Such selective repulsion between the pair of electromagnets (114, 115), operates the closure (101) to the open position, upon operation of the locking unit (103) to unlock the closure (101).

In an embodiment, the system (100) may be provided with a manual override switch (not shown in the figure). The manual override switch, upon activation by a user, may be configured to deactivate/debar the system (100) from operating the closure (101) of the vehicle. In the activated condition of the manual override switch, the closures (101) of the vehicle may be operated manually by the user.

Figure 5 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure illustrating a flow chart of the method (200) of controlling operation of the closure (101) of the vehicle.

The order in which the method (200) is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks may be combined in any order to implement the method (200). Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the method (200) without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein.

As depicted at block 201, the method (200) includes receiving, by an electronic control unit (ECU) (104) (as can be seen in Figure 1), a signal to operate the closure (101) of the vehicle from a sensor (102). The sensor (102) may be positioned in the closure (101) of the vehicle and may be configured to detect a tactile input on a predefined portion of the closure (101).

As depicted at block 202, the method (200) includes determining, by the ECU (104), a state of vehicle locking condition. The state of vehicle locking condition may be determined from a body control module of the vehicle, associated with the ECU (104).

As depicted at block 203, the method (200) includes operating, by the ECU (104), a locking unit (103) to unlock the closure (101) based on the determination. The locking unit (103) may be coupled to the closure (101) and a body of the vehicle. The locking unit (103) may be configured to lock and unlock the closure (101) relative to the body of the vehicle. The ECU (104) may be configured to unlock the locking unit (103), when the state of the vehicle locking condition is determined to be unlocked.

In an embodiment, the method (200) includes operating, by the ECU (104), an actuation mechanism (105). The actuation mechanism (105) may be provided between the closure (101) and the body of the vehicle. The actuation mechanism (105) may be operated to operate the closure (101) to an open condition, upon operating the locking unit (103) to unlock the closure (101).

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the ECU (104) may be a centralized control unit, or a dedicated control unit associated with the system (100). The ECU (104) may be implemented by any computing systems that is utilized to implement the features of the present disclosure. The ECU (104) may be comprised of a processing unit. The processing unit may comprise at least one data processor for executing program components for executing user- or system-generated requests. The processing unit may be a specialized processing unit such as integrated system (bus) controllers, memory management control units, floating point units, graphics processing units, digital signal processing units, etc. The processing unit may include a microprocessor, such as AMD Athlon, Duron or Opteron, ARM’s application, embedded or secure processors, IBM PowerPC, Intel’s Core, Itanium, Xeon, Celeron, or other line of processors, etc. The processing unit may be implemented using a mainframe, distributed processor, multi-core, parallel, grid, or other architectures. Some embodiments may utilize embedded technologies like application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), and the like.

Further, in some embodiments, the processing unit may be disposed in communication with one or more memory devices (e.g., RAM, ROM etc.) via a storage interface. The storage interface may connect to memory devices including, without limitation, memory drives, removable disc drives, etc., employing connection protocols such as serial advanced technology attachment (SATA), integrated drive electronics (IDE), IEEE-1394, universal serial bus (USB), fiber channel, small computing system interface (SCSI), etc. The memory drives may further include a drum, magnetic disc drive, magneto-optical drive, optical drive, redundant array of independent discs (RAID), solid-state memory devices, solid-state drives, and the like.

In an embodiment, the system (100) and method (200) provide a handle-free and lever-free apparatus for operation of the closure (101) of the vehicle. By equipping vehicles with the system (100), aesthetic appearance and visual appeal of the doors and the vehicle, in general, may be improved. The system (100) and the method (200) provide easy access to the vehicle for passengers in general, and for visually impaired and/or physically challenged users, in particular. The system (100) and the method (200) eliminate the possibility of mechanical malfunctions and breakdowns associated with door operational handles and levers. In addition, tailgates and sliding side door(s) that are larger in size and heavier in weight, can be operated easily and effortlessly, irrespective of the physical strength of the user.

EQUIVALENTS

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system (100) having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system (100) having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

REFERRAL NUMERICALS
Particulars Numerical
System for controlling operation of a closure 100
Closure 101
Sensor 102
Locking unit 103
ECU 104
Actuation mechanism 105
Pivot pin 106
Torsion spring 107
First end of torsion spring 108
Second end of torsion spring 109
First gear 110
Second gear 111
Stepper motor 112
Shaft 113
Electromagnets 114, 115
Electrical circuitry 116
Power supply 117
Method flow chart 200
Flow chart blocks 201-203