Capacitive Proximity Sensor Single Electrode Foot Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional capacitive sensors for detecting a user's foot require multiple electrostatic sensors, leading to increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive proximity sensor with a single sensor electrode having an upper and lower side portion arranged with a predetermined spacing, where the lower side portion is positioned farther from the user's path than the upper side portion, and the installation height of the upper side portion is greater than or equal to the lower side portion, allowing for reliable detection with a single electrode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple electrostatic sensors are used to detect user's foot, then detection reliability is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensor functions into a single sensor electrode by creating an extended electrode structure with multiple portions (first portion, second portion, third portion) that collectively perform the detection function of multiple separate sensors, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the sensor electrode in the vehicle width direction (horizontal dimension) rather than using multiple sensors stacked vertically or in sequence, transforming the detection approach from multiple discrete points to a continuous extended structure, which reduces component count while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage
2Area of stationary object
If multiple electrostatic sensors are arranged parallel to transverse direction, then detection area coverage is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection zones into a single continuous sensor electrode structure that extends across the vehicle width direction, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensor units and their associated mounting structures, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining comprehensive detection area coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The single sensor electrode performs multiple detection functions simultaneously across different zones (first, second, and third portions) along its length, allowing one component to serve the role of multiple separate sensors, which simplifies manufacturing and reduces overall system cost
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 configuration enables cost reduction while maintaining effective detection of a user's foot, reducing the risk of accidental door closure and improving user safety by using a single sensor electrode.
Implementation Method 1
capacitive proximity sensor... resonance circuit having a sensor electrode... inputs a signal for detecting a user to the resonance circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor electrode has an upper side portion arranged on an automobile, a lower side portion arranged with a predetermined spacing from the upper side portion, and a connecting portion that connects the upper side portion and the lower side portion. A control unit inputs a signal for detecting a user to the upper side portion, the lower side portion, and the connecting portion, which are electrically connected. The lower side portion is arranged farther from an area through which the user passes than the upper side portion. The installation height of the upper side portion is greater than or equal to the installation height of the lower side portion.