Vehicle Actuation Element Strain Sensing for Gesture Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for detecting actuation operations on motor vehicles are limited in their ability to differentiate between various types of actuations and may not effectively detect complex actuation gestures.
Innovation Solution
A device equipped with strain gauges arranged on the actuation element to detect deformations and an evaluation device that monitors time sequences of sensor signals to distinguish between different actuation gestures based on temporal signal patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If inductive sensors are used to detect deformation of actuation elements, then the detection capability is provided, but the ability to differentiate between various types of actuations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation element is divided into multiple detection zones with strain gauges arranged in different spatial directions. Each strain gauge measures deformation in its specific direction, and the evaluation device analyzes the combination of signals from multiple gauges to differentiate between various actuation types such as pulling, pushing, tapping, or holding gestures.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from single-point inductive sensing to multi-point strain gauge measurement across different spatial dimensions. By arranging strain gauges in multiple directions and evaluating the temporal sequence and spatial distribution of deformations, the system gains the ability to distinguish complex gesture patterns that single sensors cannot detect.
2Ease of operation
If simple threshold-based detection is used, then the device operation is simple, but complex actuation gestures cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation device continuously monitors the temporal sequence of strain gauge signals and compares them against stored gesture patterns. The system provides feedback by recognizing characteristic signal patterns that correspond to specific gestures (e.g., rapid tapping vs. sustained pulling) and generates appropriate actuation signals, enabling complex gesture detection while maintaining automated operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If strain gauges are arranged in multiple spatial directions, then the detection of complex gestures is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The strain gauge arrangement and evaluation device serve multiple functions: detecting deformation magnitude, determining actuation direction, recognizing gesture types, and distinguishing between different user intentions. This multi-functionality is achieved through the spatial distribution of gauges and the temporal-pattern recognition capability of the evaluation device, reducing the need for separate sensing systems for each function.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the detection of various actuation types and complex gestures, allowing for more precise control of vehicle functions by interpreting the spatial placement and temporal sequence of user interactions with the actuation element.
Implementation Method 1
If the support together with the conductor tracks is applied to a substrate, in this case the actuation element, a deformation of the substrate is also imposed on the support and the conductor tracks. As a result, the conductor paths are stretched or compressed and the electrical resistance of the conductor paths changes due to the change in length and the deformation of the conductor paths.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4a~4d
AI summary
A Device for detecting an actuating action on motor vehicles, the device having an actuation element (2; 21), a sensor arrangement and an evaluation device (4; 24) which is coupled to the sensor arrangement and outputs an actuation signal as a function of signals from the sensor arrangement. The sensor arrangement is arranged on the actuation element (2; 21) in order to detect a deformation of the actuation element (2; 21) during an actuation. The sensor arrangement comprising at least one strain gauge (5, 6; 23a, 23b) which is fixed to the actuation element in order to detect deformations and the evaluation device (4; 24) is designed to detect time sequences of sensor signals of the at least one strain gauge (5, 6; 23a, 23b) and to evaluate time-related signal patterns in the time sequences of sensor signals.