Auto-Actuation Door Check Using Ultrasonic Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door systems fail to effectively prevent contact with nearby objects due to limitations in detent points and automatic door check systems, which can be costly and aesthetically compromising.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing multiple ultrasonic sensors to detect objects on both sides of the vehicle, combined with vehicle position and velocity data, to create a two-dimensional mapping of objects and selectively actuate a door brake to prevent contact, incorporating vehicle yaw rate and door swing path information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single detent point is used to hold the door at a fixed position, then the door can be held at a specific point short of fully open, but it cannot account for all door swing scenarios and may not provide sufficient protection in all situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automatic door check system that dynamically adjusts the door stop position based on real-time sensor detection of objects in the door swing path. Instead of a fixed detent point, the system continuously monitors the environment and automatically actuates the door brake at appropriate positions, enabling adaptation to various door swing scenarios while maintaining reliable door protection.
2Reliability
If automatic door check systems with sensors are used to detect distance to objects and stop door movement, then door protection is improved, but the system cost increases and sensor positioning may negatively affect vehicle appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the ultrasonic sensor into the existing automatic parallel parking system, allowing the sensor to serve dual purposes: both parking assistance and door protection. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated door protection sensors, reducing system cost and avoiding additional mounting locations that would affect vehicle appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing automatic parallel parking sensor system automatically provides door protection functionality without requiring additional dedicated components. The system uses its own existing infrastructure (sensors, controller, processing capability) to serve the additional function of door swing monitoring and protection, thereby avoiding increased complexity and cost.
3Extent of automation
If ultrasonic sensors are mounted in the door to detect distance to objects, then automatic door stop function is achieved, but the sensor positioning negatively affects the appearance of the vehicle door
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the door protection sensing function from the door structure itself and relocates it to the vehicle body's automatic parallel parking system. By removing the requirement for door-mounted sensors and utilizing the existing body-mounted sensor system, the solution maintains automatic door stop functionality while preserving the clean appearance of the vehicle door.
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
Effectively prevents vehicle door contact with adjacent objects by accurately mapping the environment and actuating the door brake based on real-time data, enhancing safety and appearance without the drawbacks of previous systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one ultrasonic sensor configured to detect a distance from a vehicle primary structure to an object in the vicinity of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling movement of a motor vehicle door includes at least one sensor that detects a distance from the vehicle to an object near the vehicle. The sensor is also configured to provide input to an automatic parallel parking system of the vehicle. The system may include at least one ultrasonic sensor on each side of the vehicle to detect the distances to objects on opposite sides of a vehicle. The system utilizes a plurality of detected distances and vehicle positions or velocities to determine a location of the detected object relative to the vehicle. The system selectively actuates the door brake to prevent the vehicle door from contacting the detected object as the door is opened.