Vehicle Door Handle Haptic Feedback With Emergency Mechanical Unlock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door unlocking/locking systems for vehicles lack haptic feedback to inform users of authentication status and require a mechanical emergency access mechanism due to the absence of a physical link between the handle and lock, which complicates emergency situations and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A device with a radiofrequency antenna, capacitive sensors, and an emergency access mechanism featuring a retention pin controlled by an electromagnet, providing haptic feedback through vibration patterns based on authentication status and enabling mechanical unlocking in emergencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a mechanical link between the handle and door lock is removed to reduce weight and size, then the door handle weight and complexity are reduced, but emergency access capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent parts: an electrical unlocking system for normal operation and a separate mechanical emergency access device for safety situations. The mechanical device includes a pull member connected to a lock actuator that can physically manipulate the lock mechanism without requiring electrical power or electronic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnet is controlled through parameter changes in its operational states: an unblocking mode where it generates sufficient magnetic force to move the retention pin and deploy the pull member, and a vibration mode where it oscillates the retention pin to create haptic feedback. This allows the same component to serve multiple functions.
2Device complexity
If no feedback mechanism is provided to inform users of authentication status, then the device complexity is reduced, but user experience and information feedback are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnet operates in a vibration mode where it rapidly oscillates the retention pin between its blocking position and an intermediate position, creating detectable haptic vibrations through the pull member and door handle. This mechanical vibration serves as intuitive feedback to inform users of authentication status without requiring additional electronic display components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through haptic vibration generated by the electromagnet's oscillation of the retention pin. The vibration pattern provides immediate tactile information to the user about authentication status, creating a closed-loop feedback system that communicates system state without requiring visual or auditory interfaces.
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 users with haptic feedback on authentication success or failure and ensures emergency access by vibrating the door handle, enhancing user experience and safety by addressing the lack of feedback and mechanical linkage in previous systems.
Implementation Method 1
The device (D) also comprises an emergency access device (E) having: a body (1); a pull member (3) connected to a lock actuator and movable between a retracted position, in which the pull member (3) is retracted in the body (1), and a deployed position, in which the pull member (3) projects outside the body (1); a retention pin (6) adapted to assume a blocking position, in which it is disposed against the pull member (3) to keep the pull member (3) in its retracted position; an electromagnet (8) adapted to control the retention pin (6)
Implementation Method 2
a control unit (12) for the electromagnet (8) adapted to control the electromagnet (8) in two modes: an unblocking mode, in which the electromagnet (8) drives the retention pin (6) from its blocking position to a position for releasing the pull member (3); and a vibration mode, in which the electromagnet (8) oscillates the retention pin (6) between its blocking position and an intermediate position between the blocking position and the position for releasing the pull member (3)
Data Source
AI summary
A device for “hands-free” unlocking/locking of a door of a motor vehicle includes a radiofrequency antenna and radiofrequency transmission/reception system to authenticate portable equipment of a user, at least one capacitive sensor to detect the approach and/or the contact of a member of the user in a predetermined zone, an electronic unit controlling the unlocking of the door, an emergency access device, and a chain. The emergency access device includes a body, a graspable pull member connected to a lock actuator and movable between retracted and deployed positions, a retention pin sliding transverse to the pull member, an electric ejector configured to control the sliding of the retention pin, and a control unit for the electric ejector adapted to control the electric ejector in two modes, the control unit controlling the electric ejector in vibration mode as a function of an authentication status of the equipment of the user.