WIXOM – German Auto supplier Kiekert has combined three technologies into its NuEntry electric door latch that allows automatic opening of an autonomous vehicle door using a fingertip or even digital devices, such as smart phones.
Another technology at work is Kiekert’s i-move, which allows automatic opening and completes the closing process. The process is completed with the Kiekert i-protect, a modernized sensor system for dynamic field recognition coupled with an innovative door brake system.
In the future, these innovations will intelligently control access into autonomous vehicles, prevent unnecessary dents and scratches on vehicle doors, and help them to completely prevent injuries to pedestrians and other vehicles.
Kiekert operates a development and manufacturing center in Wixom that serves as the company’s lead engineering and program management facility for the North American Free Trade Region. Together with a sister plant in Mexico, the Wixom location is responsible for more than $250 million in annual revenue. Recent improvements have nearly tripled production at the Wixom plant from 350,000 door-latch modules in 2013 to more than one million units last year.
Technologies in the autonomous door include:
Kiekert’s NuEntry-Latch eliminates the need for door handles, reducing the weight and complexity of locking systems, while improving door design. Kiekert’s NuEntry-Latch allows use of the latest technologies, such as outdoor touch sensors or smartphones. Kiekert’s NuEntry-Latch has a modular full mechanical redundancy (TCR), which allows the latch to retain complete functionality, even in the event of a power failure.
The latest Kiekert i-protect prototype utilizes a modernized sensor system for environmental identification and an innovative door brake system to detect dynamic obstacles in the vicinity of the door. An innovative door brake system electromechanically stops the car door in front of the obstacle, if required, with an accuracy of one centimeter. Troubles when getting in and out of the car due to narrow parking spaces, garages, parsers or inattentive traffic, as well as costly scratches and dents, will be a thing of the past.
Kiekert’s i-move “intelligent movement“ system provides a comfortable, automatically driven opening and closing action for the car door, similar to automated opening and closing of rear hatches. Pressing a button in the vehicle starts the process of door movement, opening up a new dimension of comfort for all ages.
About Kiekert AG – www.kiekert.com
