Vehicle Door Detection Device Using Overmolded Blade Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detection systems for activating vehicle door functions, such as electric locks, face challenges with reliability, accuracy, and installation complexity due to exposure to moisture and external influences.
Innovation Solution
A detection device featuring a blade with secured bearing parts and a sensor to measure deformation induced by user-applied force, using overmolded securing portions to enhance sensitivity and direct deformation measurement, integrated with a controller to activate functions based on predetermined criteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If touch and/or pressure-sensitive sensors are provided on the outside of the door handle, then the door can be opened by touching the door handle, but installation difficulties arise due to the need for sealing against moisture
Solution Approach 1:
A blade element is introduced as an intermediary mechanical component that transmits the user's touch force from the activation part to the sensor. The blade acts as a mediator that allows the sensor to be positioned internally while still detecting external contact forces, thus avoiding the need for external sensor mounting and associated sealing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the sensor on the outside of the door handle to detect touch, the sensor is inverted to the inside position. The detection mechanism is reversed: rather than the sensor directly contacting the external surface, a blade transmits the contact force inward to the sensor, solving the sealing problem while maintaining detection functionality.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are positioned to directly measure deformation of the activation part, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blade serves as a mechanical intermediary that amplifies and transmits deformation from the activation part to the sensor. By positioning the sensor on the blade rather than directly on the activation part, the system achieves accurate deformation measurement while keeping the sensor protected and the overall structure manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection device is segmented into distinct functional components: the activation part, the blade element, and the sensor. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the blade for force transmission and the sensor for precise measurement - thereby achieving high measurement precision without excessive overall complexity.
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 more accurate, reliable, and user-friendly detection system that simplifies mounting and reduces costs, while ensuring accurate activation of vehicle door functions like locking/unlocking, improving user comfort and system performance.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor arranged on a sensor location of the blade located between the first bearing part and the second bearing part, and configured to measure a deformation of the blade when a force is applied on the activation part
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure concerns a detection device (15') for activating at least one function of an apparatus, for example for activating an electric lock of a vehicle's door, upon the detection of a force applied to an activation part (9) of the apparatus, the apparatus further comprising a fixed part, the activation part (9) being fixedly attached to the fixed part (7), the detection device (15') comprising: - a blade (19), comprising a first bearing part and a second bearing part, wherein the first bearing part and the second bearing part both bear against the activation part (9) or the fixed part and - at least one sensor (21) arranged on the blade (19) on a sensor location of the blade located between the first bearing part and the second bearing part, and configured to measure a deformation of the blade (19) when a force is applied on the activation part (9) and collect deformation signal to be transmitted to a controller, wherein at least one of the first bearing part and the second bearing part is secured to the activation part (9) or to the fixed part by an overmolded securing portion (34a, 34b).