DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD

Present disclosure generally relates to a field of automobile engineering. Particularly, but not exclusively, the disclosure relates to a door interlocking system for a vehicle. Further, embodiments of the disclosure, discloses the system and method of operating door interlocking system of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Commercial vehicles such as buses, trucks, train etc., ferry large amounts of people every day. Metropolitan cities see increased number of commuters travelling from one place to another on a daily basis in a variety of commercial vehicles. Due to the increased number of commuter traffic, the number of commercial vehicles has considerably increased. Commercial vehicles especially buses are the most frequently used commuter services due to the far reaching and remote area routing in majority of the metropolitan cities. Also, commercial vehicles such as buses and trains ply long distances ferrying people from one place to another.

Due to the increase in population across many cities, more and more commercial vehicles are being deployed by government and other private organizations to help commuters reach their destination on time. However, these commercial vehicles lack in providing safety means to the commuters while travelling in such vehicles.

Conventional commercial vehicles that ply do not have basic safety requirements, which results in loss of life. Also, many commercial vehicles which ferry thousands of people are not equipped with seat belts or automatic opening and closing of doors. Even though some of the commuter buses are equipped with such safety features, they are either not in use or not functioning efficiently. In other scenarios, the doors of the commercial vehicles are manually operated by the user and risk of human errors in closing and opening the doors is also increased.

Moreover, the driver of such commuter buses have long working hours and due to the mechanical life cycle and fatigue, the drivers tend to be irregular or careless in utilizing such safety equipment. Such negation of utilization of safety equipment’s leads many prone to cause numerous accidents. Freak accidents, such as, passengers/commuters falling out of the bus due to sudden braking or sudden acceleration by the driver has considerably increased. Moreover, due to the non-working or broken state of the vehicle doors, passengers/commuters take undue advantage of the situation by foot boarding or by overcrowding the bus. This leads to potential risk to the passengers/commuters of the bus as well as danger to passer-by vehicles/pedestrians.

In some occasions, the vehicle is stationary and the passengers/commuters are boarding the vehicle, the driver without his knowledge might move the vehicle leading to some of the passengers/commuters boarding the vehicle to lose balance and come under the wheels of the vehicle.

Hence, there is a need for developing a door interlocking system and method for operating such a system for a vehicle by overcoming one or more limitations stated above.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a system and method as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the system and 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 disclosure there is provided a door interlocking system for a vehicle. A control module, wherein the control module in connection with a speed sensor to determine speed of the a vehicle and position sensor, to determine at least one door open position and at least one door closed position as a feedback signal. A circuit breaker operatively connected to the control module, wherein the circuit breaker receives operation signal from the control module for operating the at least one door of the vehicle on determining speed of the vehicle to be less than a predefined speed. At least one solenoid valve operatively connected to the control module wherein the control module provides operational signal to the at least one solenoid valve for operating at least one brake valve of the vehicle when the at least one door of the vehicle is in an open position and the speed of the vehicle is less than the predefined speed. A control unit in connection with the control module, wherein the control unit provides control signal to an at least one governor for restraining acceleration of the vehicle when the at least one door of the vehicle is in the open position.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the position sensor is provided on at least one door of the vehicle for determining open position of the at least one door of the vehicle.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the position sensor generates a positive feedback signal to the control module when at least on door of the vehicle is in open position.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the position sensor generates a negative feedback signal to the control module when at least one door of the vehicle is in closed position.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the speed sensor generates a positive feedback signal to the control module when speed of the vehicle is at the predefined speed.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the speed sensor generates a negative feedback signal to the control module when speed of the vehicle is more than the predefined speed.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the predefined speed is in a range of about 0 kmph to about 3 kmph.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a method of operating a door interlocking system is disclosed, comprising steps of: determining speed of the vehicle by a speed sensor, and open position and closed position of at least one door of the vehicle by a position sensor, wherein a control module in connection with the speed sensor and the position sensor, receives a feedback signal. Determining speed of the vehicle to be less than a predefined speed, wherein the control module transmits operational signal to a circuit breaker operatively in connection to operate at least one door of the vehicle. Transmitting operational signal to at least one solenoid valve operatively connected to the control module such that, the at least one solenoid valve operates at least one brake valve of the vehicle when at least one door of the vehicle is in open position and speed of the vehicle is less than predefined speed. Receiving the control signal from the control unit coupled to the control module, wherein an at least one governor restrains the acceleration of the vehicle when the at least one door of the vehicle is in open position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristic 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 block diagram representation of the door interlocking system according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Figure 2 illustrates flow diagram of the door interlocking system according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Figure 3 illustrates a vehicle provisioned with doors according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Figure 4 illustrates an actuator and position sensor configured on the door of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

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 structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by 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 a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a device, 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 mechanism.

In order to overcome the limitations stated in the background the present disclosure provides the following paragraphs which describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures 1 to 4. 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 is not illustrated in the figures for the purpose of simplicity. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the system and method as disclosed in the present disclosure can be used in any vehicle including but not liming to passenger car, heavy vehicles, light duty vehicles.

A door interlocking system for a vehicle comprises a control module, wherein the control module in connection with a speed sensor determines speed of the vehicle. Additionally, a position sensor is configured to determine at least one door open position and at least one door closed position such that, a feedback signal is generated to the control module. A circuit breaker operatively connected to the control module, wherein the circuit breaker receives operation signal from the control module for operating the at least one door of the vehicle on determining speed of the vehicle to be less than a predefined speed. At least one solenoid valve which is operatively connected to the control module, wherein the control module provides operational signal to the at least one solenoid valve for operating at least one brake valve of the vehicle when the at least one door of the vehicle is in an open position and the speed of the vehicle is less than the predefined speed. A control unit in connection with the control module, wherein the control unit provides control signal to an at least one governor for restraining acceleration of the vehicle when the at least one door of the vehicle is in the open position.

Figure 1 is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure which illustrates block diagram representation of a door interlocking system (100) for a vehicle. The door interlocking system (100) comprises of a control module (1) configured to a control unit (7). In an embodiment, the control module (1) is at least one of a vehicle body control module, a door control module, a window control module or any other control module which serves the purpose. The control module (1) is further in connection with a speed sensor (2) and a position sensor (3). In an embodiment, the speed sensor (2) detects the speed of the vehicle (200) and generates feedback signal to the control module (1). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the speed sensor (2) is at least one of a speedometer, a tachometer, a velocity sensor, a motion sensor or any other sensor which serves the purpose of determining speed of the vehicle (200).

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the speed sensor (2) upon determination of the speed of the vehicle (200) to be about 0 kmph to about 3 kmph, generates a positive feedback signal to the control module (1).

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the speed sensor (2) upon determination of the speed of the vehicle (200) to be more than 3 kmph, generates a negative feedback signal to the control module (1).

The control module (1) is further connected to the position sensor (3), wherein the position sensor (3) detects position of the at least one door (16) of the vehicle (200). The position sensor (3) upon determination of the position of the door (16) generates a feedback signal to the control module (1). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the position sensor (3) is at least one of a proximity sensor, a Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT), a pressure switch or any other sensor which serves the purpose of determining the position of the at least one door (16) of the vehicle (200). The position sensor (3) upon determination of the position of the door (16) generates a feedback signal to the control module (1). In an embodiment, position of the at least one door (16) of the vehicle (200) is in an open position. In yet another embodiment, position of the at least one door (16) of the vehicle (200) is in a closed position.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the position sensor (3) is an integral part of the door system of the vehicle (200).

The control module (1) is further connected to at least one solenoid valve (5), wherein the at least one solenoid valve (5) actuates a brake valve (6). The brake valve (6) is operatively connected to a release valve (13) of at least one brake system [not shown in figs.] of the vehicle (200) for applying brakes to the wheels (17) (shown in figure 3) of the vehicle (200).

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the position sensor (3) upon determination of the door (16) in open position generates a positive feedback signal to the control module (1). The positive feedback signal from the position sensor (3) triggers the control module (1) to generate an operational signal to a circuit breaker (4) for activating the solenoid valve (5).

In an embodiment, the circuit breaker (4) engages and disengages the door switch (9) of the vehicle (200).

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the position sensor (3) upon determination of the door (16) in closed position, generates a negative feedback signal to the control module (1). The negative feedback signal from the position sensor (3) triggers the control module (1) to generate an operational signal to the circuit breaker (4) for deactivating the solenoid valve (5). Deactivating the solenoid valve (5) will de-actuate the brake valve (6), thereby allow free rotation of wheels (17) of the vehicle (200).

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the speed signal from the speed sensor (2), is processed by the control module (1). When, the vehicle speed is less than a predefined set speed, the control module (1) activates the door switch (9). The positive feedback signal is provided when the vehicle is in halt condition or when the vehicle is moving less than a predefined speed.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the when the speed signal from the speed sensor (2) is less than a predefined set speed, the control module (1) deactivates the door switch (9). This signal is provided, when the vehicle speed is more than a predefined speed.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control module (1) generates operational signal to the solenoid valve (5) to engage the brake valve (6) when the control module (1) receives a speed signal less than the predefined speed from the speed sensor (2) and positive feedback signal from the position sensor (3).

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control module (1) generates operational signal to the solenoid valve (5) to disengage the brake valve (6) when the control module (1) receives a speed signal greater than a predefined speed from the speed sensor (2) and negative feedback from the position sensor (3).

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the vehicle (200) is in motion above the predefined speed, the speed sensor (2) disables operation of the door interlock system (100) as a safety measure.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the brake valve (6) is at least of, hydraulic brake valve, pneumatic brake valve or any other brake valve which serves the purpose of restricting the movement of wheels (17) of the vehicle (200).

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the solenoid valve (5) is connected to an air tank (12) to supply air for actuation of the release valve (13) through the brake valve (6).

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the release valve (13) is operatively connected to spring brake valves (14 and 15) configured to the wheels (17) of the vehicle (200). Further, at least one left spring brake valve (14) and at least one right spring brake valve (15) are provided on the left hand side wheel and right hand side wheel of the vehicle (200). The spring brake valves (14 and 15) configured on either of the side of the vehicle (200) are actuated for restricting movement of wheels (17) of the vehicle (200).

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a circuit breaker (4) is operatively connected to the control module (1) wherein, the at least one circuit breaker (4) controls the actuation of at least one door switch (9) based on the operational signal received from the control module (1).

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the circuit breaker (4) is at least one of a normally closed (NC) relay, a mechanical relay, an electrical relay, a magnetic relay or any other circuit breaker (4) which serves the purpose of switching operational signals transmitted by the control module (1) to operate the door between closed position and open position.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control module (1) receives negative feedback signal from the speed sensor (2) and negative feedback from the position sensor (3). At this condition, the control module (1) does not generate any operational signal to the circuit breaker (4) and the circuit breaker (4) is at open circuit condition. The door switch (9) is deactivated and the door (16) of the vehicle (200) remains closed.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control module (1) receives positive feedback signal from the speed sensor (2) and the position sensor (3). At this condition, the control module (1) generates an operational signal to the circuit breaker (4) and the circuit breaker (4) is at closed circuit condition. This condition will enable the user to actuate the door switch (9), for operating the door (16) of the vehicle (200) to closed position.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit (7) is connected to at least one governor (8) wherein, the at least one governor (8) receives control signal from the control unit (7) for restricting acceleration of the vehicle (200). Further, the control unit (7) receives operational signal from the control module (1) at door (16) open position such that, the at least one governor (8) is activated to restrict acceleration of the vehicle (200).

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the governor (8) is at least one of a hydraulic governor, pneumatic governor, servo-mechanical governor, mechanical governor, electrical governor, electronic governor or any other governor which restricts the acceleration of the vehicle (200).
In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control module (1), the control unit (7), the circuit breaker (4), and the solenoid valve (5) are connected to a power supply (11) at the time of operation. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the power supply (11) is at least one of a battery, an alternator, a power cell or any other means which serves the purpose of supplying power to the components.

Figure 2 illustrates flow diagram of the door interlocking system (100) of a vehicle (200). The control module (1) receives feedback signal from the position sensor (3) upon determination of the position of the door (16). The speed sensor (2) in connection with the control module (1) generates a feedback signal to the control module (1) with respect to the speed of the vehicle (200).

The control module (1) receives the feedback signals and generates an operational signal to the circuit breaker (4) for intermediately activating and deactivating the door switch (9) of the vehicle (200).

In an embodiment, actuation of the door switch (9) operates the door actuator (10) for opening and closing the door (16) of the vehicle (200). The control module (1) receives feedback signal and generates operational signal to the solenoid valve (5) for operating at least one brake valve (6). The brake valve (6) in turn actuates the release valve (13) for applying brakes to the wheels (17) via spring brake valves (14 and 15) configured to the wheels (17).

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the control module (1) receives feedback signal and generates a control signal to the control unit (7). The control unit (7) in operational connection with the governor (8) restrains acceleration of the vehicle (200).

Figures 3 and 4 illustrates a vehicle (200) provisioned with at least one door (16). The vehicle (200) as described above is equipped with a position sensor (3) configured proximal to the at least one door (16) of the vehicle (200). A door actuator (10) configured to the at least one door (16) of the vehicle (200), actuates the door (16) of the vehicle (200) between open position and closed position.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the door switch (9) is provided on dashboard (not shown in figure) of the vehicle (200) for the user to toggle the door (16) of the vehicle (200) in open and closed positions.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the door switch (9) is at least one of a spring actuated switch, a mechanical switch, or any other switch which serves the purpose.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the door actuator (10) is at least one of a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator or any other actuator which serves the purpose of opening the door (16) of the vehicle (200).

REFERRAL NEUMERALS:

Particulars Referral number
Control module 1
Speed sensor 2
Position Sensor 3
Circuit breaker 4
Solenoid valve 5
Brake valve 6
Control unit 7
Governor 8
Door switch 9
Door actuator 10
Power supply 11
Air tank 12
Release valve 13
Left Spring brake valve 14
Right Spring brake valve 15
Door 16
Wheels 17
Door interlocking system 100
Vehicle 200

,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:
1. A door interlocking system (100) for a vehicle (200), comprising:
a control module (1), wherein the control module (1) in connection with a speed sensor (2) to determine speed of the vehicle (200) and a position sensor (3) to determine at least one door (16) open position and at least one door closed position as a feedback signal;;
a circuit breaker (4) operatively connected to the control module (1), wherein the circuit breaker (4) receives operation signal from the control module (1) for operating the at least one door (16) of the vehicle (200) on determining speed of the vehicle (200) to be less than a predefined speed;
at least one solenoid valve (5) operatively connected to the control module (1) wherein the control module (1) provides operational signal to the at least one solenoid valve (5) for operating at least one brake valve (6) of the vehicle (200) when the at least one door (16) of the vehicle (200) is in an open position and the speed of the vehicle (200) is less than the predefined speed; and
a control unit (7) in connection with the control module (1), wherein the control unit (7) provides control signal to an at least one governor (8) for restraining acceleration of the vehicle (200) when the at least one door (16) of the vehicle (200) is in the open position.

2. The door interlocking system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the position sensor (3) is provided on the at least one door (16) of the vehicle (200) for determining open position of the at least one door (16) of the vehicle (200).

3. The door interlocking system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the position sensor (3) generates positive feedback signal to the control module (1) when the at least one door (16) of the vehicle (200) is in open position.

4. The door interlocking system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the position sensor (3) generates negative feedback signal to the control module (1) when the at least one door (16) of the vehicle (200) is in closed position.

5. The door interlocking system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the speed sensor (2) generates a positive feedback signal to the control module (1) when speed of the vehicle (200) is not more than the predefined speed.

6. The door interlocking system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the speed sensor (2) generates a negative feedback signal to the control module (1) when speed of the vehicle (200) is more than the predefined speed.

7. The door interlocking system (100) as claimed in claim 3, the predefined speed is in a range of about 0 kmph to about 3 kmph.

8. A method of operating door interlocking system (100) comprising steps of:
determining speed of the vehicle (200) by a speed sensor (2), and open position and closed position of at least one door (16) of the vehicle (200) by a position sensor (3), wherein a control module (1) in connection with the speed sensor (2) and the position sensor (3), receives feedback signal;
determining speed of the vehicle (200) to be less than a predefined speed, wherein the control module (1) transmits operational signal to a circuit breaker (4) operatively in connection to operate at least one door (16) of the vehicle (200);
transmitting operational signal to at least one solenoid valve (5) operatively connected to the control module (1) such that, the at least one solenoid valve (5) operates at least one brake valve (6) of the vehicle (200) when at least one door (16) of the vehicle (200) is in open position and speed of the vehicle (200) is less than predefined speed; and
receiving the control signal from the control unit (7) coupled to the control module (1), wherein an at least one governor (8) restrains the acceleration of the vehicle (200) when the at least one door (16) of the vehicle (200) is in open position.

Dated this 3rd Day of November, 2015 NIKHIL S. R.
IN/PA-2127
OF K & S PARTNERS
AGENT OF THE APPLICANT