Deployable Vehicle Door Handle With Proximity Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door systems lack enhanced functionality for user input and control, particularly in terms of intuitive and efficient operation, especially in scenarios involving proximity sensing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle door handle system incorporating a deployable handle body with proximity sensors and a controller that processes signals from these sensors to determine input commands, enabling keypad inputs, swipe gestures, and handle pull commands to control the door's opening and closing, as well as speed, using capacitive sensors for enhanced user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional door handles are used, then the structure is simple, but the functionality and user interaction capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The door handle is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a mechanical pull handle, an actuator trigger for power doors, a proximity sensing surface for contactless input, and a structural mounting point for sensors and electronics. This multi-functionality allows the same physical component to replace what would traditionally require separate systems, thereby increasing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the mechanical handle function with electronic control functions by integrating proximity sensors, contact surfaces, and actuators into the handle assembly. The handle body serves as both a mechanical interface for user interaction and a mounting platform for sensing and control electronics, merging previously separate systems into a unified component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If proximity sensors are added to the handle, then user input capabilities are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The proximity sensors and contact surfaces are integrated into the handle assembly, which already serves as a primary user interface. This allows the same physical structure to support both mechanical interaction (pulling, pushing) and electronic interaction (proximity detection, capacitive sensing), enhancing input capabilities without requiring separate control interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the handle's own structure and materials as part of the sensing mechanism. The handle body itself serves as a mounting surface for sensors and can function as a capacitive sensor element, eliminating the need for additional separate sensing components in some cases.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensor types are integrated, then sensing accuracy and command detection are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor types (proximity sensors, capacitive sensors, contact surfaces) are combined within the single handle assembly structure. This integrated approach allows for coordinated operation of different sensing modalities to detect various user inputs (approach, touch, pull), improving measurement precision while managing manufacturing complexity through unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle assembly is designed as a multi-functional platform that accommodates different sensor types serving complementary functions. The same structural elements serve multiple purposes: mechanical support, electrical connection, and sensing surfaces, thereby reducing the number of separate components that would need to be manufactured and assembled.
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 system provides intuitive and efficient door control through proximity sensing, allowing users to deploy, unlock, lock, open, and close doors with varying speeds, while also detecting and managing ice formation on the handle, thereby enhancing the overall door operation experience.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of proximity sensors located on the handle body and generating activation fields
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle door handle is provided that includes a deployable handle body located on a door, keypad contacts on an outer side of the handle body, an actuator configured to deploy the handle to a deployed position, a plurality of proximity sensors located on the handle body and generating activation fields, and a controller processing signals generated by the sensors to determine an input command for controlling the actuator and to determine a keypad input. The controller may sense ice on the handle and determine ice thickness and may control the actuator to break the ice based on the ice thickness.