Capacitance Sensor Isolator for Vehicle Opening Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems lack effective methods to detect both conductive and non-conductive objects in proximity to vehicle openings, such as doors and lift gates, to prevent entrapment and unauthorized access, particularly for children and pets.
Innovation Solution
A fascia panel assembly incorporating a capacitance sensor and controller, where the sensor is mounted on a non-conductive isolator between the fascia panel and the vehicle body, allowing it to detect changes in capacitance when objects, either conductive or non-conductive, come into proximity, triggering the controller to control the opening mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a capacitance sensor is mounted directly to the vehicle body, then the sensor can detect conductive objects, but it cannot detect non-conductive objects and may suffer from electrical interference
Solution Approach 1:
An electrically non-conductive isolator is introduced as an intermediary component between the capacitance sensor and the vehicle body. This isolator allows the sensor to detect both conductive and non-conductive objects while preventing direct electrical contact that would cause interference or false readings from the vehicle body itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the mounting structure by using a non-conductive isolator instead of direct metal-to-metal contact. This parameter change enables the sensor to operate in a high-impedance state, allowing detection of non-conductive objects while maintaining stability against electrical interference from the vehicle body.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor is electrically isolated from the vehicle body, then it can detect non-conductive objects, but the sensor may be susceptible to electrical noise and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The non-conductive isolator serves as a mediator that blocks electrical noise and interference from the vehicle body while still allowing the capacitive field to extend through it and detect objects. The isolator's electrical properties are specifically chosen to reject interference while permitting detection functionality.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors are installed on different vehicle components, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitance sensor system is designed with universal applicability across different vehicle components (doors, lift gates, trunk lids). The same sensor design and isolator mounting approach can be used on any vehicle opening, reducing overall system complexity despite multiple installation locations.
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 system effectively prevents entrapment by detecting and responding to both conductive and non-conductive objects, ensuring safe operation of vehicle openings and enhancing user interaction with vehicle functions through capacitive coupling and intelligent control.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor capacitively couples to an electrically conductive object proximal to the sensor while the sensor is driven with an electrical charge such that capacitance of the sensor changes due to the sensor capacitively coupling with the object
Data Source
AI summary
A fascia panel assembly includes an electrically non-conductive fascia panel, an electrically non-conductive isolator, and a capacitance sensor. The sensor capacitively couples to an electrically conductive object proximal to the sensor while the sensor is driven with an electrical charge such that capacitance of the sensor changes due to the sensor capacitively coupling with the object. The isolator is sandwiched between the fascia panel and the isolator.