Convertible Top Electrode for Anti-Trapping Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-trapping systems for convertible vehicle tops are complex, prone to failure, and require additional components, which are not suitable for the unique movement sequences and forces involved in convertible vehicles, leading to inadequate detection and potential trapping situations.
Innovation Solution
Designing the convertible vehicle top itself as an electrode, with sections acting as a field source, allows for contactless sensing of objects in the pivoting range, eliminating the need for additional components and enhancing reliability, by utilizing existing top geometry and materials, and incorporating insulation to prevent interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional sensor components (wire, film, electrodes) are added to the top, then sensing capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensing function with the existing top structure by utilizing the top itself as one electrode of the capacitive sensor. This eliminates the need for separate sensor components and integrates the sensing capability into the existing structure, thereby improving reliability without increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The top structure serves dual purposes: it functions as both the movable component of the convertible vehicle and as an active sensing element (electrode) for the anti-trapping sensor. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated sensor components, reducing device complexity while maintaining sensing capability
2Reliability
If additional sensor components (wire, film, electrodes) are added to the top, then sensing capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensing function with the existing top structure by utilizing the top itself as one electrode of the capacitive sensor. This eliminates the need for separate sensor components and integrates the sensing capability into the existing structure, thereby improving reliability without increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The top structure serves dual purposes: it functions as both the movable component of the convertible vehicle and as an active sensing element (electrode) for the anti-trapping sensor. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated sensor components, reducing device complexity while maintaining sensing capability
3Reliability
If film-like sensors are used, then sensing capability is improved, but heat accumulation in vehicle interior increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensing function from separate film-like sensor components and integrates it into the existing top structure. By making the top itself the sensor electrode, the system eliminates additional film layers that would trap heat, thereby reducing heat accumulation in the vehicle interior while maintaining sensing capability
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 simple, reliable, and robust anti-trapping system that can be easily retrofitted to existing convertible vehicle tops, offering real-time contactless detection of objects and improved resistance to wear and tear, while minimizing complex design and additional manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
at least in certain sections, the top for the convertible vehicle is embodied directly as one of the electrodes, and wherein the section for the top of a convertible vehicle which is embodied as the at least one electrode has, with respect to the surroundings, a defined electrical state which can be sensed by the evaluation unit
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for sensing an object in the pivoting range of a top for a convertible vehicle, the system comprising an electrode for sensing field properties of a field which is assigned to the top, and an evaluation unit for evaluating the sensed field properties. The invention further relates to a method for sensing a top of a convertible vehicle which is moved by a drive, comprising the steps: sensing of a field between the top of the convertible vehicle and the bodywork during movement of the top of the convertible vehicle, adjusting of the sensed characteristic variables to setpoint values, and acting on the drive as a function of the sensed characteristic variables of the field and of the setpoint values.