×

Piezo based energy harvesting for e-latch systems

  • US 9,416,565 B2
  • Filed: 11/21/2013
  • Issued: 08/16/2016
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/21/2013
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A vehicle door, comprising:

  • an electrically-powered latch defining latched and unlatched states;

    a user input feature comprising a switch having a movable switch member actuated by a user and causing the electrically-powered latch assembly to change from the latched state to the unlatched state in order to unlatch the door;

    an electrical energy storage device that is operably connected to the electrically-powered latch;

    a piezoelectric device having a bendable piezoelectric element operably connected to the electrical energy storage device such that the piezoelectric device is manually actuated by a user to charge the electrical energy storage device; and

    wherein the bendable elements is positioned directly adjacent the movable switch member;

    electrical energy from the electrical energy storage device is utilized to actuate the electrically-powered latch to thereby unlatch the electronically-powered latch.

View all claims
  • 1 Assignment
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×