Vehicle Door Handle Actuating Element Inductive Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixed vehicle door handles require complex and expensive sensors or have unreliable detection methods for operator recognition, which is a challenge in providing improved operator recognition without increasing mechanical complexity or weight.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle door handle arrangement with a sensor device featuring an actuating element that protrudes minimally beyond the handle's outer contour, made of metallic material for precise detection by inductive distance sensors, allowing for robust and reliable actuation detection without exposing electronic components to the exterior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex sensors are used for operator recognition, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensors with a capacitive sensor that detects actuation through electrical field changes. The sensor device includes a sensor element that generates an electrical field and detects changes when the handle is actuated, substituting mechanical detection with electrical field-based detection to reduce complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sensor element as an intermediary between the handle actuation and the control system. This sensor element acts as a mediator that converts mechanical actuation into electrical signals through capacitive coupling, enabling reliable detection without direct mechanical contact or complex sensor mechanisms
2Measurement precision
If electronic components are exposed to the exterior for actuation detection, then detection precision is improved, but robustness and protection are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the sensor element within the handle structure, nesting it inside a protective housing. The sensor element is positioned such that it remains enclosed within the handle while still detecting actuation forces through the handle material, protecting electronic components from environmental exposure while maintaining detection precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the handle itself as a flexible medium that transmits actuation forces to the enclosed sensor element. The handle material acts as a thin film or shell that allows force transmission while providing protection, enabling the sensor to detect actuation without being directly exposed to external conditions
3Measurement precision
If a metallic actuating element is used for sensor detection, then measurement precision is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials for the actuating element, combining metal particles or fibers within a plastic matrix. This composite structure provides the necessary electrical conductivity and sensor detection capability while maintaining low weight, as the metal content is distributed throughout the plastic rather than using solid metal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies metallic properties locally to specific regions of the actuating element rather than making the entire element metallic. The metallic material is concentrated in areas critical for sensor detection, while other regions use lighter materials, optimizing the balance between detection precision and weight
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 reliable and cost-effective operator recognition with minimal tactile difference, ensuring robustness and protection of electronic components while reducing mechanical complexity and weight.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical assembly with at least one inductive distance sensor is arranged inside the handle. Inductive distance sensors detect changes in the position of metal objects with high precision
Implementation Method 2
An elastic restoring force is provided in order to bring the actuating element back into its original position when no force is exerted
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A vehicle door handle assembly (1) with a handle (3), wherein an actuating element (4, 9, 11) is arranged on a grippable side of the handle (3), which can be actuated by an operator when gripping the handle (3). The actuating element (4, 9, 11) projects through a recess in the handle (3) from an inner cavity of the handle (3) through a wall of the handle (3) and outwards beyond the outer contour of the handle (3). The actuating element (4, 9, 11) is received inside the handle (3) such that it is movable through the recess towards the interior of the handle (3) against an elastic restoring force for actuation.The actuating element (4, 9, 11) is formed at least partially from metal and an electrical assembly with at least one inductive distance sensor is fixedly arranged inside the handle (3), such that the distance of the actuating element (4, 9, 11) relative to the inductive distance sensor changes when the actuating element (4, 9, 11) is moved, wherein an evaluation circuit detects the signals of the inductive distance sensor and detects an actuation depending on the signals and provides an output signal.