Vehicle Door Handle NFC Coil for Actuation Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle door handles face challenges in integrating sufficient near-field communication electronics and sensor systems due to limited space, often requiring compromises that affect communication efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle door handle employs a coil for both near-field communication and inductive sensing by using a metallic component within the coil's area, which changes inductance when the handle is manipulated, allowing for dual operation modes: communication and sensor modes, with the control circuit monitoring inductance changes to detect handle actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coil of sufficient size is used for near-field communication, then communication efficiency is improved, but the available space in the door handle is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the same coil to operate in two distinct modes: communication mode for NFC data exchange and sensor mode for handle actuation detection. The control circuit switches between these modes based on operational requirements, allowing one component to fulfill multiple functions and thereby eliminating the need for separate coils for communication and sensing, which would have exceeded the available space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If near-field communication electronics and sensor system are both integrated in the door handle, then functional completeness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces device complexity by making the near-field communication coil multi-functional, serving both as a communication element and as an inductive sensor. This eliminates the need for a separate sensor system, thereby integrating communication and sensing functions into a single subsystem and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining functional completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the communication function and sensing function into a single integrated system. The coil structure and its control circuitry are combined to perform both NFC communication and handle actuation detection, consolidating what would traditionally require separate components into one unified subsystem.
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
This design enables effective near-field communication and simultaneous detection of handle operation, enhancing communication efficiency and operational detection without compromising existing communication functions.
Implementation Method 1
the coil of the resonant circuit is operated as a transmit/receive coil for near-field communication
Implementation Method 2
the coil of the near-field communication electronics can be controlled in sensor mode as an inductive sensor
Implementation Method 3
the control circuit repeatedly measures the coil's inductance and can thus detect deformations of the housing
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A vehicle door handle (1) with a handle (2) and at least one mounting section coupled to the handle (2). The handle (2) has a housing and near-field communication electronics housed therein, wherein the near-field communication electronics (7) comprise a resonant circuit with a coil (8) and wherein a control circuit (5) is coupled to the near-field communication electronics. The control circuit (5) is configured to control the near-field communication electronics in a communication mode in which the coil (8) acts as a transmit/receive coil (8). In a region opposite the coil (8), at least one metallic component (9a, 9b) is positioned, which is movable relative to the coil (8) when the housing is deformed.The control circuit (5) is designed for the temporary control of the coil (8) in a sensor mode, in which the control circuit (5) repeatedly takes measurements of the inductance of the coil (8) in order to detect deformations of the housing and then provide an actuation signal.