Capacitive Sensor Electrode Positioning for Vehicle Door Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic vehicle door actuating systems using capacitive distance sensors face interference from metal objects, requiring customized sensor electrodes for different vehicle configurations, which increases production costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive distance sensor with a sensor electrode positioned in the vehicle corner region, allowing for contactless recognition of a foot movement for door actuation, reducing interference from metal objects and enabling a single design for multiple vehicle configurations, including all equipment packages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If capacitive distance sensors are positioned close to metal objects (exhaust pipes, trailer couplings) to enable contactless door opening recognition, then the door can be opened automatically with hands-free operation, but the metal objects interfere with the capacitive detection and cause measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic metal objects (exhaust pipes, trailer couplings) from the sensor's detection field by positioning the capacitive distance sensor in a location where these metal objects do not interfere with the measurement, thereby eliminating the source of measurement errors while preserving the hands-free operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary evaluation process that distinguishes between genuine user gestures (hand movements toward the door handle) and interference from metal objects. The control unit analyzes the capacitive signal patterns to differentiate between capacitive changes caused by the user's hand and those caused by nearby metal objects, allowing accurate detection despite the presence of interfering materials
2Measurement precision
If sensor electrodes are customized for different vehicle configurations (different exhaust pipe positions, trailer coupling presence), then the measurement precision is improved for each specific configuration, but the device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal sensor electrode design that can be used across all vehicle configurations without customization. The sensor is positioned and configured to detect user gestures in a way that is independent of specific equipment packages, allowing the same sensor design to function accurately in vehicles with different exhaust pipe positions, trailer couplings, or other equipment variations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes in the evaluation process rather than physical customization of the sensor electrode. The control unit adjusts detection parameters, signal thresholds, and evaluation criteria to accommodate different vehicle configurations, allowing a single sensor design to adapt to various metal object positions and types through software-based parameter adjustment rather than hardware customization
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 solution allows for efficient and cost-effective automatic door operation with reduced production costs and enhanced user safety by minimizing the need for customized parts and ensuring the sensor electrode is positioned to detect user movements without obstruction.
Implementation Method 1
The actuating apparatus usually contains a contactless (e.g. capacitive) distance sensor for this purpose
Implementation Method 2
When capacitive distance sensors are used, in particular, metal objects in the close vicinity of the capacitive sensor electrode can influence the capacitive detection of a movement
Data Source
AI summary
An actuating apparatus for adjusting a first vehicle door which can be automatically adjusted between a closed position and an open position is used in a vehicle. To this end, the actuating apparatus has a capacitive distance sensor for detecting a movement of a person who is in the vicinity of the vehicle, and also has a control and evaluation unit. The control and evaluation unit is configured to identify a first door actuation request on the basis of the detected movement, and to trigger adjustment of the first vehicle door when the first door actuation request is identified. In this case, a sensor electrode of the capacitive distance sensor is arranged in a vehicle corner region which is associated with the rear of the vehicle.