Blade Deformation Sensor for Vehicle Door Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detection devices for activating vehicle functions, such as electric locks, face challenges with reliability, accuracy, and ease of installation due to the need for external pressure sensors and moisture seals.
Innovation Solution
A detection device featuring a blade with first and second bearing parts, sandwiched between an activation part and a fixed part, which includes sensors to measure deformation caused by applied force, enhancing sensitivity and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure sensors are provided externally on the door handle to detect contact, then the door opening function can be activated, but installation difficulties arise including the need for seals to prevent moisture ingress
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is extracted from the external door handle surface and integrated into the internal blade structure. The blade itself becomes the sensing element through deformation measurement, eliminating the need for separate external pressure sensors and their associated sealing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade acts as an intermediary element that translates the mechanical force applied to the activation part into measurable deformation. This intermediate deformation measurement provides a reliable detection mechanism without requiring direct external sensor contact.
2Measurement precision
If external pressure sensors are used on the door handle, then contact detection is possible, but measurement accuracy and sensitivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The external mechanical pressure sensor system is replaced with an internal blade deformation measurement system. The blade's structural deformation under load provides a more direct and accurate mechanical measurement of the applied force.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection function is segmented from the external handle surface and integrated into the blade's structural design. The blade is divided into specific regions (first and second bearing parts) that enable precise deformation measurement at critical stress points.
3Measurement precision
If a blade structure with sensors is integrated between the activation part and fixed part, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The blade serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural support element connecting the activation part to the fixed part, and as a sensing element through its deformation characteristics. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated sensor components.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural blade and sensing function are merged into a single integrated component. The blade's deformation under load directly provides the measurement signal, combining mechanical support and detection functions in one element.
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
The solution provides a more accurate, reliable, and cost-effective detection method, improving user comfort and simplifying installation by using a blade to measure deformation directly between the activation and fixed parts.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one sensor is arranged on the blade between the first bearing part and the second bearing part, and configured to measure a deformation of the blade when a force is applied on the activation part
Data Source
AI summary
A detection device is configured to activate at least one function of an apparatus, for example activating an electric lock of a vehicle's door, upon the detection of a force applied to an activation part of the apparatus. The apparatus includes a fixed part. The activation part is fixedly attached to the fixed part. The detection device includes a blade and at least one sensor. The blade includes a first bearing part configured to bear against the activation part and a second bearing part configured to bear against the fixed part. The at least one sensor is arranged on the blade and is configured to measure a deformation of the blade when a force is applied on the activation part and collect a deformation signal to be transmitted to a controller. The at least one sensor includes a first sensor arranged between the first and second bearing parts.