Vehicle Control Element Gap-Free Surface Deformation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Control elements for vehicle windows and sliding roofs face challenges in meeting safety standards that prevent accidental closure while allowing convenient operation, particularly in designs with reduced visibility and combined functional elements.
Innovation Solution
A control element with a closed, gap-free surface featuring a recess and a contiguously connected surface portion that protrudes over the recess, equipped with a sensor to detect deformations, allowing for both directional and speed control of the adjustment element through force and deformation measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a control element is designed with a closed, gap-free surface to meet modern design aesthetics and safety standards, then the appearance quality and safety are improved, but the ease of operation and user feedback are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a recessed actuation area with different tactile properties than the surrounding surface. The recessed region provides localized tactile feedback and operational distinction while maintaining the overall closed, gap-free surface appearance. This allows the control element to satisfy both aesthetic requirements for surface continuity and operational requirements for user feedback.
2Reliability
If safety standards require prevention of accidental closure, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the actuation detection function with the structural design of the control element itself. The recessed actuation area serves dual purposes: it provides the necessary tactile interface for user operation and simultaneously acts as the detection zone for the sensor system. This integration reduces device complexity by combining structural and sensing functions into a unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The control element design allows the recessed actuation area to naturally provide the detection signal through its deformation characteristics. The structural design itself contributes to the sensing mechanism, where the physical deformation of the recessed area during actuation directly provides the signal needed for safety detection, reducing the need for separate complex sensing systems.
3Ease of operation
If the control element uses a flexible design in the actuation area to enable deformation detection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the structural strength is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a recessed actuation area with different mechanical properties than the surrounding structure. This recessed region is designed with controlled flexibility to enable deformation detection and ease of actuation, while the surrounding areas maintain full structural strength. The localized modification allows flexible actuation without compromising overall structural integrity.
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
Enables safe and convenient operation of vehicle windows or roofs by detecting deformations to control actuation direction and speed, meeting safety standards and accommodating modern design aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor to detect a deformation of the surface portion
Data Source
AI summary
A control element for roof or window adjustment in a motor vehicle includes a surface and a sensor. The surface has an introduced recess and a surface portion. The surface portion is connected to the surface in a gap-free manner above the recess. The surface portion only partially covers the recess. The sensor is formed within the surface portion or is arranged onto the bottom side thereof to detect deformations of the surface portion.