Blind Section Distance Sensor for Vehicle Component Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems for motorized closure elements in vehicles face interference from vehicle components like trailer couplings and bicycle mounts, which affect the detection of operator control events by capacitive distance sensors.
Innovation Solution
The control system incorporates a blind section in the distance sensor design, reducing sensitivity in areas where vehicle components interfere, preventing detection and thus minimizing interference, and allowing for the detection of movement patterns to determine operator control events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the distance sensor extends over the entire width of the motor vehicle to detect operator control events, then the detection coverage is improved, but vehicle components like trailer couplings and bicycle mounts interfere with sensor operation
Solution Approach 1:
The distance sensor is divided into multiple sections along its sensor extent, with at least one section designated as a blind section that has reduced or no sensitivity. This segmentation allows the sensor to maintain broad coverage while excluding interference from specific vehicle components located in the blind section region.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the distance sensor are assigned different sensitivity characteristics. The blind section has reduced or zero sensitivity to detect and avoid false signals from vehicle components, while other sections maintain full sensitivity for detecting operator control events. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between comprehensive coverage and interference avoidance.
2Reliability
If the distance sensor is interrupted to create a blind section, then interference from vehicle components is prevented, but the sensor structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The distance sensor is segmented into active sensing sections and blind sections, with the blind section acting as an interruption or gap in the sensor structure. This segmentation prevents vehicle components from being detected while maintaining the overall sensor functionality in other regions, achieving improved reliability with manageable structural complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the blind section has reduced sensitivity to prevent detection of vehicle components, then false detection is avoided, but the overall detection capability of the sensor is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The distance sensor implements local quality differentiation by assigning reduced sensitivity specifically to the blind section while maintaining full sensitivity in other sections. This allows the sensor to achieve high measurement precision for operator control events in active regions while the blind section selectively ignores vehicle components, thus improving detection accuracy without significantly compromising overall detection capability.
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
This design enhances the robustness of the sensor system by preventing interference from vehicle components, ensuring accurate detection of operator control events and movement directions without structural overlapping.
Implementation Method 1
Capacitive distance sensors which are equipped with at least one measurement electrode can be used in order to detect the abovementioned operator control events. In this case, an operator control event triggers a change in capacitance of the electrode arrangement, it being possible for this change in capacitance to be easily detected in an electronic manner.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a control system for driving a motorized closure element of a motor vehicle, wherein, in order to detect operator control events, at least one sensor control means and at least one elongate distance sensor which extends along a sensor extent are provided, wherein the sensor control means drives the associated distance sensor and/or evaluates the sensor signals from said distance sensor, and wherein the distance sensor detects a distance from a user. It is proposed that, with the control system installed, a vehicle component is arranged or can be arranged in or along the sensor extent, and that the distance sensor is designed such that it has a blind section in the region of the vehicle component, said blind section having no sensitivity or a lower level of sensitivity compared to that region of the distance sensor which adjoins the blind section.