Door-Handle Capacitive Sensor Power Backup for Voltage Drops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Recurring, short-term voltage drops in the power supply of vehicle functional units, such as sensor devices, impair their operation by causing interruptions that disrupt the adequate power supply and functionality.
Innovation Solution
An arrangement comprising a processing device, storage arrangement, and monitoring system that provides a primary and secondary power supply, with an energy-saving mode initiated upon detecting interruptions to maintain the functional state, using a capacitive sensor device for vehicle components like door handles and bumpers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a main power supply is used to provide power to the functional unit, then the functional unit can operate with sufficient power, but recurring voltage drops cause interruptions and impair functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a secondary power supply (capacitor) that is pre-charged and ready to compensate for voltage drops before they occur. The monitoring arrangement detects voltage drops in advance or simultaneously, and the secondary power supply activates to cushion the functional unit against power interruptions, ensuring continuous operation without functional impairment.
2Reliability
If the processing device operates continuously to maintain functionality, then the functional state is preserved, but energy consumption increases during power supply interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the processing device to dynamically switch between different operational states based on power supply conditions. During normal operation, the device functions fully. When a voltage drop is detected, it transitions to an energy-saving mode that maintains essential functionality while reducing power consumption, allowing the functional state to be preserved with minimal energy usage during interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the operational parameters of the processing device during power supply interruptions. The monitoring arrangement detects voltage drops and triggers a change in operating mode, adjusting parameters such as clock frequency or operational intensity to reduce energy consumption while maintaining the functional state necessary for rapid restoration upon power recovery.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the secondary power supply duration is extended to cover interruption periods, then functionality can be maintained during drops, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the secondary power supply (capacitor) to serve multiple functions: it compensates for voltage drops, extends operational duration during interruptions, and works in conjunction with the monitoring arrangement and processing device to maintain functionality. This multi-functional approach allows the system to achieve extended power supply duration without proportionally increasing overall device complexity, as the capacitor integrates seamlessly with existing components.
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
Ensures the functional state is maintained during power supply fluctuations, reducing energy consumption and extending the duration of secondary power supply to prevent re-initialization, thus ensuring rapid functionality restoration upon main power supply recovery.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor device has at least one sensor electrode (51) in order to detect a change in the environment of the sensor electrode (51). One such change is, for example, the approach of a body part of a user of the vehicle. The sensor electrode (51) can each provide a variable capacitance, which can be changed by the change in the environment of the sensor electrodes.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement (10) for maintaining a functional state in a functional unit (6) of a vehicle (1), in particular in an electronic unit (6) of a door handle (2) of the vehicle (1), preferably in a capacitive sensor device (6) of the door handle (2) for detecting an activation action, comprising: - an electronic processing device (30) for at least partially providing the functional state when a power supply to the processing device (30) is sufficient, - a supply connection (60) for providing a primary electrical power supply to ensure sufficient primary power supply, - a storage arrangement (20) for providing an emergency electrical power supply to ensure sufficient secondary power supply, - a monitoring arrangement (11) for monitoring a parameter specific to the power supply,in particular a supply voltage (Ub) of the main power supply, and initiation of an energy-saving mode of the processing device (30) depending on the monitoring, in order to operate the processing device (30) in energy-saving mode during the provision of the emergency power supply.