Deformation Sensor Reference Adaptation to Prevent False Triggers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor devices that detect actuation by deformation of an operating body are prone to false triggering due to environmental influences such as temperature changes, which can cause unintended deformations, affecting the accuracy of actuation recognition.

Innovation Solution

A method that generates and evaluates sensor signals by comparing them to a reference, adapting the reference to the deformation state only when an unwanted change is detected, differentiating it from intentional changes by measuring the speed of the deformation, and outputting an actuation signal based on specific trigger criteria to ensure accurate actuation recognition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the sensor device continuously monitors deformation of the operating body, then the detection capability is improved, but false triggering due to environmental influences such as temperature changes increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidfalse triggering
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a reference deformation state before normal operation begins. This reference state captures the deformation characteristics of the operating body under specific environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, etc.). During operation, the sensor compares current deformation against this pre-established reference to distinguish intentional actuation from environmental influences, thereby reducing false triggering while maintaining detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by monitoring the deformation parameters of the operating body and comparing them against reference parameters. The system detects deviations in deformation magnitude, direction, and rate of change to differentiate between intentional user actuation and unintentional environmental deformations. This parameter-based comparison enables the sensor to maintain high detection precision while filtering out false triggers caused by temperature changes or other environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Shape

If the sensor device is placed behind the sheet metal panel, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the detection accuracy is worsened due to environmental influences on the panel deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the deformation state of the sheet metal panel and comparing it against a reference deformation state. The sensor device receives deformation signals from the panel, evaluates them against the stored reference, and uses this feedback to determine whether an intentional actuation has occurred. This feedback mechanism enables the system to maintain detection accuracy despite the panel being exposed to environmental influences, while allowing the sensor to be aesthetically integrated behind the panel surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the reference is adapted to deformation state changes, then the adaptability to environmental conditions is improved, but the ability to detect intentional actuation is worsened due to potential reference shifts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to environmental conditionsVSAvoidactuation detection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing a dynamic reference adaptation mechanism that adjusts the reference deformation state based on detected environmental conditions. When environmental changes (temperature, humidity) are detected, the system updates the reference to reflect the new baseline deformation state. However, this adaptation is performed carefully to distinguish between slow environmental drift and rapid intentional actuation, maintaining detection reliability while improving adaptability to varying environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 approach enhances the accuracy of actuation recognition by distinguishing between intentional and unintentional deformations, reducing false triggers and improving the reliability of sensor devices in varying environmental conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor element (11) which is arranged at a distance from the operating body (2) to detect a deformation of the operating body (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation detection: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP3739757B1Optimised sensor device
Publication Date: 2024.03.13 HUF HÜLSBECK & FÜRST GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3739757B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3739757B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3739757B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a method (100) for operating a sensor device (10) for actuation by deformation of a control element (2), comprising the following steps: - generating (101) at least one sensor signal (210) of a sensor device (10) as a result of a deformation of the control element (2), - evaluating (102) the sensor signal (210) by comparing (103) the sensor signal (210) with a reference (200), and detecting (104) a deviation (200.1, 200.2) of the sensor signal (210) from the reference (200). The invention further relates to a computer program product (300), a sensor device (10) for detecting an actuation request based on a deformation, and a vehicle (1).