Vehicle Door Handle Arrangement with Capacitive Sensor for Keyless Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door handle arrangements for vehicles are not compact and do not facilitate a simplified unlocking and opening of electromechanical door locks, requiring manual key operation and increased effort.
Innovation Solution
A door handle arrangement with a handle element, actuating unit, and carrier unit incorporating sensors and switches that allow contact-free unlocking and opening of the door lock upon detection of an object, reducing the need for manual key operation and enhancing user convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a key-lock door handle arrangement is used, then the door lock can be securely locked, but the expenditure of force and time for unlocking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical key-lock system with an electromechanical door lock actuated by a motor. The handle arrangement includes a motor (30) that can be actuated by the actuating unit (8) to open the door lock (5), eliminating the need for manual key insertion and turning. This substitution reduces the physical effort and time required for unlocking while maintaining security through electronic control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The door handle arrangement enables self-service unlocking through the integration of a sensor (9.2) that can automatically detect when the actuating unit is pulled and trigger the motor to open the door lock without requiring manual key operation. The system serves itself by automatically initiating the unlocking sequence when the appropriate mechanical action is applied to the handle.
2Volume of moving object
If a traditional door handle arrangement is used, then the door lock can be opened manually, but the installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensor (9.2), carrier unit (9), actuating unit (8), and door lock actuation mechanism into a single integrated door handle arrangement (1). This consolidation eliminates the need for separate key-lock mechanisms and reduces the overall installation space required in the door (2), while maintaining the ability to open the door lock through both traditional manual pulling and automated electromechanical actuation.
3Shape
If a key-lock mechanism is installed, then secure locking is achieved, but the visual appearance deteriorates due to keyhole presence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the visible keyhole and mechanical key-lock interface by replacing it with an electromechanical door lock (5) that can be actuated remotely or automatically. The handle arrangement (1) provides a clean, modern aesthetic without the visual intrusion of traditional keyholes, while maintaining security through the motorized locking mechanism and integrated sensor system that can detect and respond to unauthorized access attempts.
4Productivity
If manual key operation is required, then the door lock can be opened, but the expenditure of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action through the sensor (9.2) that is continuously monitoring the position and movement of the actuating unit (8). When the sensor detects that the actuating unit has been pulled to the unlocking position, it automatically triggers the motor (30) to open the door lock (5), eliminating the time delay associated with manual key insertion, turning, and removal. The system is prepared to actuate the lock immediately upon detection of the unlocking gesture.
Solution Approach 2:
The door handle arrangement performs self-service by automatically initiating the door lock opening sequence without requiring the user to manually operate a key. The integrated sensor and motor system detects the user's intent to unlock and executes the opening action autonomously, significantly reducing the time expenditure for the unlocking operation.
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 a compact design with reduced effort for unlocking and opening vehicle doors, providing keyless access and improved user experience by integrating capacitive sensing and switching electronics within the handle, thus reducing installation space and enhancing visual appeal.
Implementation Method 1
When an object situated in a detection area of the sensor is detected, the carrier unit (9) unlocks a door lock (5)
Implementation Method 2
the actuating unit (8) being designed to press the switch (9.1) when actuated manually
Data Source
AI summary
A door handle assembly (1), such as an outer door handle arrangement for a vehicle including at least one vehicle movable element may have the following elements. A handle element having a handle recess. A handle cover, which may at least partially covers the handle recess. An actuating unit, which may be arranged between the handle element and the handle cover. A carrier unit including at least one sensor and at least one switch for opening a door lock. Where the carrier unit is designed to unlock the door lock when an object situated in a detection area of the sensor is detected. The actuating unit being designed to press the switch during a manual actuation.