Vehicle Door Assist System Radial Obstruction Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle door systems lack efficient obstruction detection and prevention mechanisms, leading to potential collisions and inconvenience in operation.
Innovation Solution
A door assist system comprising an actuator, interference sensors, and a controller that detects obstructions along the radial extent of the door and adjusts its position to prevent collisions, using an array of proximity sensors and a processor to generate control responses based on obstruction location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional door systems are used without obstruction detection, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability is poor due to potential collisions and lack of safety mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The door system is segmented into multiple functional components: interference sensors divided into first and second sensors for different detection zones, an actuator for door movement control, and a controller for coordinating their operation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, improving overall reliability while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The interference sensors are positioned to detect obstructions before the door makes contact, allowing the system to take preliminary action by triggering the actuator to stop or reverse door movement in advance. This prevents collisions before they occur, significantly improving safety and reliability
2Productivity
If manual door operation is used, then the ease of operation is simple, but the productivity is reduced due to user effort and time required for door opening and closing
Solution Approach 1:
The door system performs self-service by automatically detecting obstructions and adjusting its operation without requiring user intervention. The interference sensors and controller work together to autonomously determine when to stop or reverse door movement, eliminating the need for users to manually check for obstructions or exert extra effort to overcome resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical door operation is replaced with an automated electromechanical system. The actuator provides powered door movement, and the electronic interference sensors replace manual visual inspection, substituting mechanical user effort with automated electronic detection and control mechanisms that improve operational efficiency
3Measurement precision
If a single interference sensor is used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision is insufficient to detect obstructions at multiple locations along the door's radial extent
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing function is segmented into multiple interference sensors positioned at different locations along the door's radial extent. The first interference sensor detects obstructions in a first detection region, while the second interference sensor detects obstructions in a second detection region. This segmentation provides precise spatial information about obstruction locations, improving measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The obstruction detection is extended from a single point to multiple dimensions along the door's radial extent. By placing sensors at different radial positions and angles, the system creates a multi-dimensional detection network that precisely locates obstructions in space, transforming one-dimensional detection into two-dimensional or three-dimensional spatial awareness
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 effectively prevents door collisions with obstructions and enhances user convenience by automatically adjusting the door's position, ensuring safe and smooth operation.
Implementation Method 1
The interference sensor is configured to detect an obstruction in a plurality of detection regions along a radial extent of the door
Implementation Method 2
Each of the proximity sensors of the array is configured to detect an obstruction in a sensory region
Data Source
AI summary
A door assist system for a vehicle is disclosed. The system comprises an actuator, an interference sensor, and a controller. The actuator is configured to control a position of a door about a hinge assembly. The interference sensor is configured to detect an obstruction in a plurality of detection regions along a radial extent of the door, and the controller is configured to control the actuator in response to a detection signal from the interference sensor.