Conductive Seal Carrier for Vehicle Pinch Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-entrapment systems for vehicles lack effective sensors that can detect objects in the path of movable panels, such as windows or doors, to prevent pinching or entrapment, especially when the panels are closing, and often require additional components that increase complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system integrated into the vehicle's existing seal structure, using an electrically conductive mounting carrier and a controller to detect objects in proximity and generate a pinch sensor signal, which prevents the movable panel from pinching by reversing its direction or halting closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pinch sensors are used to detect objects in the path of movable panels, then object detection capability is provided, but device complexity and cost increase due to additional sensor components
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system merges the sealing function and object detection function into a single integrated component. The seal assembly incorporates an electrically conductive carrier that serves as both the sealing element and the sensing element, eliminating the need for separate sensor components while maintaining reliable object detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The seal assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the sealing function necessary for the movable panel assembly and also serves as the sensing element for detecting objects in the panel's path. The electrically conductive carrier within the seal acts as both the mechanical sealing component and the electrical sensing component, demonstrating multi-functionality that reduces overall system complexity
2Measurement precision
If separate sensor strips are added to the seal structure for object detection, then detection precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the seal structure and sensing function into a single integrated assembly. The electrically conductive carrier is incorporated within the seal itself, eliminating the need for separate sensor strips and simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining precise object detection capability through the conductive carrier's response to proximity or contact with objects
3Reliability
If existing seal structures are modified to include sensor components, then object detection is enabled, but production costs and tooling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seal assembly serves itself by incorporating the electrically conductive carrier within its own structure. The seal provides both its traditional sealing function and the sensing function through its own integrated components, eliminating the need for additional tooling or production processes that would be required to install separate sensor systems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the sealing function and sensing function into a single manufactured assembly. The electrically conductive carrier is integrated within the seal structure itself, allowing the same component to fulfill both mechanical sealing and electrical sensing roles, thereby reducing production costs and eliminating the need for additional tooling
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 provides a cost-effective and simplified method for preventing object pinching by utilizing existing seal structures, enabling zero-force detection of objects and reducing the need for additional sensor components, thus enhancing safety and reducing tooling and production costs.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically conductive mounting carrier disposed in the seal and having a formed shape, wherein the electrically conductive mounting carrier is operable to detect the object in the path of the movable panel and to generate a pinch sensor signal indicative of the object either touching the seal or in close proximity to the seal
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor for an anti-entrapment system of a vehicle for preventing an object within an opening of the vehicle defined by a movable panel from being pinched by the movable panel includes a seal adapted to be mounted to a portion of the vehicle, an electrically conductive mounting carrier disposed in the seal and having a formed shape and operable to detect the object in the path of the movable panel and to generate a pinch sensor signal indicative of the object either touching the seal or in close proximity to the seal, and a controller for monitoring the electrically conductive mounting carrier, wherein the controller controls the movable panel to prevent the movable panel from pinching the object in response to the pinch sensor signal.