Solenoid assembly actuation using resonant frequency current controller circuit

A method for releasing a latch or a keeper of a latch system from a preloaded condition, wherein the latch system further comprises:

• a solenoid driver, a preload sensor, and a function generator, wherein the solenoid driver is configured for releasing the latch or the keeper, wherein the preload sensor includes a timer and a latch position sensor or keeper position sensor, wherein the preload sensor is configured to sense whether a preloaded condition is present at the latch or the keeper, and wherein the function generator is configured for providing a pick current to the solenoid driver, the method comprising steps of:
• a) sensing that the preloaded condition is present at the latch or the keeper;
• b) providing the pick current to the solenoid driver by sweeping a first range of pick current frequencies using the function generator to identify a target frequency that induces a resulting vibration of the latch system;
• c) after the first range of pick current frequencies is swept, establishing a second range of pick current frequencies that falls within the first range of pick current frequencies, wherein the second range of pick current frequencies includes the target frequency;
• d) applying the pick current at the second range of pick current frequencies to the solenoid driver to release the latch or the keeper from the preloaded condition by the induced resulting vibration;
• e) sensing that the latch or the keeper is not fully retracted after the function generator sweeps the frequency across the first range of frequencies;
• and
• f) when the latch or the keeper is not fully retracted after the function generator sweeps the frequency across the first range of frequencies, providing a second signal indicating to the function generator to again provide the pick current at one of the target frequency, the first range of frequencies, the second range of frequencies, or an enlarged range of frequencies.

A method for releasing a latch or a keeper of a latch system from a preloaded condition, wherein the latch system further comprises:

• a solenoid driver, a preload sensor, and a function generator, wherein the solenoid driver is configured for releasing the latch or the keeper, wherein the preload sensor includes a timer and a position sensor, wherein the preload sensor is configured to sense whether the preloaded condition is present at the latch or the keeper, and wherein the function generator is configured for providing a pick current to the solenoid driver, the method comprising steps of:
• a) sensing that the preloaded condition is present at the latch or the keeper;
• b) providing the pick current to the solenoid driver by sweeping a first range of pick current frequencies using the function generator to identify a target frequency that induces a resulting vibration of the latch system;
• c) after the first range of pick current frequencies is swept, establishing a second range of pick current frequencies that falls within the first range of pick current frequencies, wherein the second range of pick current frequencies includes the target frequency;
• d) applying the pick current at the second range of pick current frequencies to the solenoid driver to release the latch or the keeper from the preloaded condition by the induced resulting vibration;
• e) sweeping a third range of pick current frequencies using the function generator to identify a second target frequency that induces the resulting vibration of the latch system;
• f) establishing a fourth range of pick current frequencies that falls within the third range of pick current frequencies, wherein the fourth range of pick current frequencies includes the second target frequency, wherein the fourth range of pick current frequencies is different than the second range of pick current frequencies;
• and
• g) applying the pick current at the fourth range of pick current frequencies to the solenoid driver to release the latch or the keeper from the preloaded condition by the induced resulting vibration.