1. Doors Control and Trunk
Control Systems in Modern
Vehicles
By:
V M Bhuvanesh
2. AGENDA
● Introduction
● Purpose of Door Control
● Working of Door Control
● Types of Door Control
● Technologies Used Purpose of Trunk Lid
● Working of Trunk Control
● Types of Trunk Control
● Types Based on Engine Placement
● Current Trends
● Embedded System Role
● Pros & Cons
● Conclusion
3. INTRODUCTION
● Door and trunk control systems enhance safety,
security, and convenience.
● Integration of electronics has evolved them from
mechanical to smart systems.
4. PURPOSE OF DOOR CONTROL
● Passenger Safety: Prevents accidental opening while the vehicle is in motion.
● Security: Protects the vehicle from unauthorized access or theft.
● Convenience: Allows centralized or remote locking/unlocking for all doors.
● Child Protection: Includes child safety locks to avoid accidental opening by children.
● Integration with Other Systems: Works with alarm systems, immobilizers, and keyless entry.
● Operational Efficiency: Enables automatic locking/unlocking based on vehicle speed or gear
position.
● Emergency Access: Facilitates unlocking in crash situations via crash sensors and ECUs.
● Personalization: Supports user-specific settings such as selective unlocking or smart key profiles.
● Sealing & Comfort: Ensures proper door closure for cabin insulation, reducing noise and
vibration.
5. WORKING OF DOOR CONTROL
1. User Input Detection
Signal from key fob, smart key, door handle sensor, or manual switch.
2. Signal Processing by Body Control Module(BCM)
Microcontroller in BCM interprets the command (lock/unlock/open).
3. Actuator Activation
BCM drives the electric actuator or solenoid to lock/unlock latch mechanism.
4. Latch & Lock Mechanism Operation
Mechanical latch releases or engages with the striker.
5. Status Feedback
Sensors (position, lock state) send confirmation to BCM.
Status displayed on instrument cluster.
6. Safety & Anti-Theft Integration
Child lock, intrusion detection, and auto-lock features controlled by BCM.
6. TYPES OF DOOR CONTROL
1. Manual Locks
Description: Traditional mechanical system operated by a physical key or interior knob.
Operation:
● Turning key/knob moves rods or cables linked to the latch.
● No electrical components involved.
Advantages:
● Simple, low-cost, reliable without power.
Limitations:
● Requires manual operation on each door.
● Lacks convenience and remote access.
7. 2. Central Locking Systems
Description: Single control point locks/unlocks all doors simultaneously.
Components:
● Electric actuators or solenoids in each door.
● Control switch on driver’s door.
● Body Control Module (BCM) for signal management.
Operation:
● User presses central lock button or turns key in driver’s door.
● BCM activates actuators in all doors.
Advantages:
● Quick and convenient.
● Can integrate with ignition or speed-based auto-lock.
Limitations:
● Dependent on electrical system,fails if battery is dead.
8. 3.Remote Keyless Entry (RKE)
Description: Uses a key fob with an RF transmitter to lock/unlock doors from a distance.
Operation:
● Pressing button on fob sends encrypted RF signal (315/433 MHz).
● RKE receiver and BCM authenticate signal.
● BCM triggers door lock actuators.
Advantages:
● Enhances convenience and security.
● Allows selective unlocking (e.g., driver door only).
Limitations:
● Requires battery in fob.
● Signal range limited (typically 5–20 m).
9. 4.Passive Entry Systems
Description: Keyless unlocking based on proximity detection of the key fob.
Operation:
● Door handle sensor detects touch or movement.
● Vehicle transmits low-power challenge signal.
● Fob responds with encrypted code.
● BCM unlocks door automatically.
Advantages:
● Hands-free access.
● High security with rolling codes/encryption.
Limitations:
● More complex electronics.
● Higher cost and power consumption.
10. 5. Child Safety Locks
Description: Prevents rear doors from being opened from inside
Types:
● Manual: Lever on door edge physically blocks inside handle linkage.
● Electronic: BCM-controlled actuator engages/disengages lock.
Advantages:
● Improves safety for children/passengers.
● Electronic type can be activated from driver’s seat.
Limitations:
● Manual type must be set individually on each rear door.
11. Independent Manual Door Lock
Mechanism
Description: Each door has a manual knob or lever that allows passengers to lock/unlock their own door from
inside.
Operation: Pulling or pushing the knob mechanically engages or disengages the latch via rods/cables no driver
input required.
Advantages:
● Passenger convenience and autonomy.
● Works without electrical power.
● Functions even if central locking system fails.
Limitations:
● Does not automatically lock with central system (in purely manual designs).
● Less secure if passengers accidentally unlock while driving.
12. Safety Feature Mechanisms in Door
Control
Auto-Lock / Auto-Unlock
● Speed sensor sends signal to BCM to lock doors above a set speed.
● Crash sensor or airbag ECU sends unlock command during an accident.
Door Ajar Detection
● Uses reed switches, microswitches, or hall sensors in latch assembly.
● Sends feedback to BCM triggers dashboard warning and prevents central locking if needed.
Anti-Pinch Protection
● Uses current sensing in the motor driver or infrared/capacitive sensors in the window/door path.
● If an obstruction is detected, the BCM reverses motor direction within milliseconds.
13. TECHNOLOGIES USED
1. Mechanical Technologies
● Linkages & Cables – transmit force from handle to latch.
● Cam & Lever Mechanisms – convert handle movement to latch release.
● Springs – return handles and latches to default position.
2. Electrical & Electromechanical Technologies
● DC Motors & Gear Drives – power central locking actuators.
● Solenoids – direct plunger movement for locking/unlocking.
● Micro Switches / Limit Switches – detect door open/closed status
14. 3. Electronic & Control Technologies
● Body Control Module (BCM) – central processing for door operations.
● Door Control Units (DCUs) – local controllers for individual doors, was used in earlier days.
● Motor Drivers / H-Bridges – control motor direction and speed.
● CAN Bus / LIN Bus Communication – enables door ECUs to talk to BCM.
4. Sensing & Security Technologies
● Capacitive / Touch Sensors – detect user’s hand on handle (Passive Entry).
● RFID / LF Transponders – key fob proximity detection.
● RF Communication (315/433 MHz) – Remote Keyless Entry.
● Rolling Code Encryption – prevents signal replay attacks.
5. Safety & Comfort Technologies
● Anti-Pinch Sensors – prevent injury during window or sliding door closure.
● Soft-Close Mechanisms – pull door to full close gently.
● Child Lock Actuators – block inside handle when engaged.
15. PURPOSE OF TRUNK LID
● Secure Storage:
Provides a covered compartment to safely store luggage, tools, and personal belongings.
● Protection from Environment:
Shields stored items from rain, dust, sunlight, and other environmental factors.
● Vehicle Security:
Integrated with locking systems (manual, central, or remote) to prevent unauthorized access.
● Structural Integration:
Contributes to the body’s aerodynamics, strength, and crash safety by forming part of the rear
structure.
● Access Control:
Allows easy loading/unloading via hinged or powered opening mechanisms.
● Modern Features Support:
Houses additional systems like rear-view cameras, license plate lights, third brake light, and
sometimes emergency release handles.
17. Working of Trunk Control System
1. Input Stage – User Command
● Manual key insertion in trunk lock.
● Interior release switch/button.
● Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) – key fob button press.
● Passive Entry – unlocks when key fob is in range.
● Hands-free gesture sensor (e.g., foot swipe).
2. Processing Stage – Control Logic
● Body Control Module (BCM) or Trunk Control Module receives input.
● Verifies security (authorized key) and safety (vehicle in Park, no obstacles).
18. 3. Actuation Stage – Opening/Closing
● Manual: Latch actuator releases lock.
● Power-operated: Motor/linear actuator drives lid, gas struts
assist,soft-close motor finishes closing.
● Position sensors monitor movement.
4. Feedback & Safety
● Trunk-ajar sensor detects open/closed status.
● Obstacle detection (motor current sensing / IR or capacitive
sensors).
● Emergency release lever inside trunk.
5. Integration with Vehicle Systems
● Central locking system synchronization.
● Alarm triggers if opened without authorization.
● Trunk light, rear-view camera, and wiring integrated in lid.
19. TYPES OF TRUNK CONTROL
1. Manual Trunk Control
● Operated by a physical key or lever inside the vehicle.
● Simple and low-cost mechanism.
● No electrical or electronic components involved.
2. Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Trunk Release
● Trunk opens when the trunk button on the key fob is
pressed.
● Uses RF signal to communicate with the Body Control
Module (BCM).
● Convenient for loading/unloading without entering the
car.
20. 3. Interior Electric Release
● Switch or button inside the vehicle activates an electric latch.
● Controlled by BCM and requires ignition OFF or vehicle in Park
for safety.
4. Passive Entry Trunk Control
● Unlocks automatically when the key fob is near the trunk.
● Sensors detect proximity; no need to press buttons.
● Enhances user convenience.
5. Power Trunk / Power Tailgate
● Motorized opening and closing with push-button operation.
● Can be controlled from key fob, interior button, or trunk lid
button.
● Equipped with anti-pinch sensors for safety.
21. 6. Hands-Free Trunk Opening
● Uses motion sensors (e.g., foot swipe under rear bumper).
● Ideal for when hands are full.
● Often integrated with passive entry systems.
22. Types of Trunk Based on Engine
Placement
1. Front Trunk (Frunk)
● Found in rear-engine or electric vehicles (EVs) where the front
space is unused by an engine.
● Provides additional storage space.
● Common in sports cars (e.g., Porsche 911) and EVs (e.g., Tesla
Model 3).
2. Rear Trunk
● Found in front-engine vehicles.
● Located behind the passenger compartment.
● Most common trunk location in sedans, hatchbacks, and coupes.
23. Current Trends in Trunk Control
● Full Automation – programmable open height, one-touch open/close.
● Smart Gesture Recognition – AI-based detection to reduce false triggers.
● Integration with Smart Keys & Smartphones – trunk unlock via mobile app or NFC card.
● Enhanced Anti-Pinch & Obstacle Detection – advanced sensing with ultrasonic or camera-based
systems.
● Lightweight Composite Materials – reduce weight for efficiency.
● EV-Specific Dual Storage – front trunk (“frunk”) plus rear storage in electric vehicles.
● Connected Security – alerts to mobile if trunk is left open or accessed without authorization.
24. Role of Embedded Systems in Door
& Trunk Control
● Control & Coordination → Body Control Module (BCM) manages locks, latches, and motors.
● Security → Electronic key authentication, theft detection, alarm integration.
● Safety → Child lock, anti-pinch sensors, auto lock/unlock with vehicle speed.
● Convenience → Remote keyless entry, passive entry, soft-close, hands-free trunk opening.
● Communication → CAN/LIN bus links modules; supports diagnostics & OTA updates.
● Integration → Works with lighting, infotainment, HVAC for seamless operation.
25. Door & Trunk Control - Pros and
Cons
Pros:
● Convenience → Remote, passive, and hands-free operation saves effort.
● Enhanced Security → Electronic authentication, alarm integration, anti-theft sensors.
● Improved Safety → Anti-pinch, child lock, and speed-based auto locking.
● Integration → Works with lighting, infotainment, HVAC, and vehicle diagnostics.
● Customization → Programmable open/close height, smart key pairing.
Cons:
● Cost → Electronic and motorized systems increase manufacturing and repair costs.
● Complexity → More components mean higher maintenance needs.
● Failure Risk → Dependency on electronics; BCM or actuator failure can disable operation.
● Battery Dependency → Power liftgates and passive entry drain battery if misused.
● Environmental Wear → Sensors and motors affected by dust, moisture, and temperature extremes.
26. CONCLUSION
● Door and trunk systems have evolved significantly.
● Embedded systems play a critical role in automation and safety.
● Growing integration with smart, connected vehicle ecosystems.