Vehicle Door Handle Assembly With Force Sensing and Integrated Antenna
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyless entry systems for vehicles face issues such as susceptibility to moisture, false activations, and ineffectiveness with gloved or bandaged hands, and radar sensors have limited packaging space and RF transmission challenges in vehicle components like handles.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle exterior component with a class-A surface hosting a force-based sensor and an antenna configured to transmit/receive RF radiation, integrated into a handle assembly that deforms to apply force to the sensor, incorporating both short-range RADAR and passive keyless entry antennas in a common plane, allowing for non-contact object detection and smooth vehicle operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If capacitive sensors are used in keyless entry systems, then touch detection capability is provided, but susceptibility to moisture and false activations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces capacitive sensors with a force-based sensor system that uses a deformable class-A surface. When force is applied to the surface, it deforms and activates the sensor, providing mechanical touch detection instead of electrical capacitance detection. This substitution eliminates the susceptibility to moisture and false activations while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from electrical capacitance to mechanical force. By using a force-based sensor that responds to physical deformation of the class-A surface, the system transitions from detecting electrical field changes to detecting mechanical stress, thereby improving reliability in moisture-prone environments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If radar sensors are integrated into vehicle handles, then non-contact object detection is enabled, but packaging space and RF transmission are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the radar sensor with the force-based sensor system in a common plane within the handle assembly. By integrating both sensing functions (contact force detection and non-contact object detection) into a unified structure, the system achieves versatile functionality while optimizing the use of limited packaging space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions both the radar antenna and force-based sensor in a common plane, utilizing two-dimensional spatial arrangement to maximize detection capabilities within the constrained three-dimensional space of the handle assembly. This planar configuration allows efficient RF transmission while minimizing volume requirements.
3Shape
If class-A surface is made smooth for aesthetic purposes, then vehicle appearance is improved, but force transmission to sensor may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by maintaining the smooth class-A surface appearance in most areas while creating a specific localized region with modified properties for force transmission. The deformable portion of the surface is designed to transmit force effectively to the sensor while preserving the overall aesthetic smoothness of the handle assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a deformable intermediate layer or structure between the smooth class-A surface and the force-based sensor. This intermediary element facilitates force transmission from the smooth exterior surface to the sensor beneath, ensuring that aesthetic smoothness does not compromise force detection capability.
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 enhances the reliability and functionality of keyless entry systems by addressing moisture and glove-related issues while optimizing sensor placement for efficient RF transmission and object detection, ensuring smooth vehicle operation and secure access.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna disposed within the handle assembly adjacent to the outer surface and configured to transmit or to receive radio-frequency (RF) radiation through the outer surface
Implementation Method 2
a force-based sensor responsive to a force applied to the class-A surface
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular door handle assembly includes a handle portion, and first and second sensors disposed within the handle portion. The first sensor is configured to communicate with a remote device. The second sensor is configured to sense force applied at a deformable portion of an outer wall of the handle portion. The first sensor, responsive to communication with the remote device, communicates a first signal to an electronic control unit. The second sensor communicates a second signal to the electronic control unit for controlling the vehicular door handle assembly responsive to sensing by the second sensor of force applied by a user at the deformable portion of the outer wall. Responsive to the first signal and responsive to the second signal, the electronic control unit allows the door of the vehicle to be opened by the user.