Vehicle Door Handle Deployment Using Authorized Device Proximity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems require user input to deploy handles or unlock doors during passenger pickup, leading to delays due to the handles remaining retracted for aerodynamic efficiency at high speeds.
Innovation Solution
A system with a transceiver and control unit that identifies authorized devices outside the vehicle and actuates handle deployment mechanisms based on their location within predefined target zones, allowing automatic deployment as the vehicle slows down for passenger pickup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the handle remains in the retracted position to improve aerodynamic efficiency at high speeds, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but passenger pickup convenience deteriorates due to delays in handle deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The controller deploys the handle in advance before the vehicle comes to a complete stop, detecting when the vehicle velocity decreases below a threshold and automatically actuating the handle deployment mechanism. This preliminary action ensures the handle is ready for immediate use when the passenger approaches, eliminating delays while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency during high-speed travel
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors vehicle velocity and automatically adjusts handle deployment status based on speed conditions. When velocity drops below a predetermined threshold, the controller receives feedback and automatically deploys the handle without user intervention, resolving the contradiction between maintaining aerodynamic efficiency and ensuring operational convenience
2Loss of energy
If user input is required to deploy the handle after vehicle slowing, then aerodynamic efficiency is maintained, but time is lost due to the delay before door opening
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is deployed in advance automatically when the controller detects vehicle velocity decreasing below a threshold, eliminating the need for subsequent user input and reducing the time delay before door opening can occur
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting vehicle slowing conditions and deploying the handle without requiring user intervention, thereby eliminating time loss while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency during high-speed operation
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a system (1) for controlling at least one handle deployment mechanism (9-n) associated with an aperture closure member (7-n) of a vehicle (3). The system (1) includes a transceiver (29) for communicating with at least one device (33); and a control unit (20). The control unit (20) has one or more controller (21) configured to identify one of the at least one device (33) as an authorised device (33). The control unit (20) may determine a location of the or each authorised device (33) in relation to the vehicle (3). The determined location of the or each authorised device (33) is compared to one or more target zone (Zn). The control unit (20) is configured to actuate the handle deployment mechanism (9-n) to deploy a handle (11-n) in dependence on a determination that the or each authorised device (33) is located within the target zone (Zn) or one of the target zones (Zn). The present disclosure relates to a vehicle (3) including the system (10) for controlling deployment of a handle (11-n); and method of controlling deployment of a handle (11-n).