Vehicle Decorative Actuation Element for Weather-Protected Lock Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle actuation modules, such as handle modules on doors, tailgates, or hoods, are not compact in design and require fine motor skills for operation, are prone to actuation problems in harsh weather conditions, and are susceptible to environmental factors leading to false readings.
Innovation Solution
A decorative element with an integrated actuation module that includes an actuation element and a sensor, where the decorative element itself acts as an actuation element, moving elastically to detect minimal pressure, and an internally placed actuation sensor protected from environmental factors, allowing intuitive operation and reliable actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional handle modules are used for actuation, then the actuation function is provided, but the design is not compact and requires fine motor skills for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The decorative element is merged with the actuation element into a single integrated component. The decorative element itself serves dual purposes: aesthetic appearance and actuation function. This eliminates the need for separate handle modules, reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The decorative element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both a decorative component and an actuation element. By making the decorative element universally functional for both aesthetics and operation, the patent reduces the number of separate components needed, achieving compact design without sacrificing operational ease.
2Reliability
If traditional actuation elements are exposed, then actuation is possible, but they are prone to actuation problems in harsh weather conditions and susceptible to environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation sensor is nested inside the decorative element, which acts as a protective housing. The sensor is completely enclosed within the decorative element's structure, shielding it from environmental factors such as rain, snow, and dust while maintaining actuation reliability through the protected internal positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The decorative element serves as an intermediary between the external environment and the internal actuation sensor. It transfers the actuation force from the outside while protecting the sensor from direct environmental exposure, mediating between the user's actuation input and the protected sensor mechanism.
3Measurement precision
If the actuation sensor is exposed, then actuation detection is possible, but false readings occur due to environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation sensor is nested within the protective structure of the decorative element, completely enclosed to prevent environmental interference. This nesting arrangement shields the sensor from factors that could cause false readings while maintaining its detection precision for valid actuation inputs.
Solution Approach 2:
The decorative element acts as an intermediary protective layer between environmental factors and the actuation sensor. It allows valid actuation signals to pass through to the sensor while blocking environmental interference that could cause false readings, thereby maintaining measurement precision.
4Ease of operation
If the actuation area is small, then the sensor surface is compact, but fine motor skills are required for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The decorative element serves as both the aesthetic cover and the actuation surface, expanding the effective actuation area to the entire decorative element surface. This multi-functional design allows users to actuate from any point on the decorative element without requiring fine motor skills, while the sensor remains compact inside.
Solution Approach 2:
The decorative element acts as an intermediary that distributes the actuation force across its entire surface area to the internal sensor. Even though the sensor surface remains compact, the decorative element's larger surface area allows easy operation by any user input point, mediating between the user's hand and the sensor.
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
The solution provides a compact, intuitive, and reliable actuation system that operates effectively in various conditions, including cold weather and with ice, without requiring fine motor skills, and protects the actuation sensor from environmental interference.
Implementation Method 1
the decorative element moves elastically when actuated, especially to its actuation position
Data Source
AI summary
A decorative element with an actuation module for an electronic lock system where the actuation module may have at least an outer actuation element and an interior actuation sensor for triggering a switching function and an electronic evaluation unit that is connected to the actuation sensor. The decorative element may form the actuation element and the decorative element moves elastically when actuated, in particular to its actuation position. Also provided is a movable vehicle element with such a decorative element and a vehicle with at least one such movable vehicle element.