Capacitive Door Handle Sensor for Lock and Latch Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automobile entry systems with electrically-operated door locks and latches often require multiple electromechanical switches and sensors, which can be cumbersome and prone to spurious events, lacking a seamless multi-function control mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function sensor apparatus with an array of sensing electrodes and a control circuit that detects touch and proximity events, allowing for integrated control of door locks and latches using capacitive or field effect sensing technology, enabling multiple functions with reduced sensor count and improved discrimination between genuine and spurious touch events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electromechanical switches and sensors are used to control door locks and latches, then the system can perform multiple functions, but the device complexity increases and spurious events occur more frequently
Solution Approach 1:
A single sensor apparatus with multiple sensing electrodes is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting touch events for door lock control, proximity events for door latch control, and differentiation between genuine and spurious touch events. This universal sensor replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate switches and sensors, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining multi-function control capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are used to control door locks and latches, then all functions can be controlled, but the ease of operation decreases due to increased sensor management complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensing electrodes are merged into a single integrated sensor apparatus with a unified control circuit. This consolidation simplifies the user interface and operation, as the system can distinguish between different touch locations and patterns to automatically determine the appropriate function (lock or latch control), eliminating the need for users to manage multiple separate sensors
3Device complexity
If traditional switches and sensors are used, then the system is simple in structure, but it is prone to spurious events and lacks robustness against environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit continuously monitors the electrical characteristics (capacitance, impedance) of each sensing electrode and uses this feedback to distinguish between genuine touch events and spurious events caused by environmental factors such as moisture or static electricity. The system can detect patterns and characteristics that indicate intentional user interaction versus environmental interference, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing structural complexity
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
Enables efficient, multi-functional control of door locks and latches with reduced sensor complexity, enhancing user experience by allowing light touch operation and minimizing false triggers, while maintaining robustness against environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
capacitive or field effect sensing technology
Implementation Method 2
capacitive or field effect sensing technology
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-function sensor apparatus includes multiple sensing electrodes and a control circuit adapted to receive signals from each of the sensing electrodes and to deem whether the sensing electrodes are in a touched state or an untouched state. The control circuit also is adapted to selectively provide an output based on the sensor's states and the manner in which the sensors came to be in such states.