Door Handle Electrostatic Sensor Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door handle apparatuses with Smart Entry Systems can inadvertently execute locking operations when the user attempts to unlock the vehicle due to accidental detection by electrostatic capacitance sensors, leading to unintended command inputs.
Innovation Solution
A door handle apparatus with a splitable body design featuring a first handle case and a second handle case, where the lock detection electrodes are arranged on the inner surfaces of the second handle case, forming different shapes to reduce capacitive coupling and prevent accidental locking commands, and an unlock detection electrode is placed on the holding portion to accurately distinguish between locking and unlocking operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the lock detection electrode is arranged at the end portion of the holding portion to detect lock commands, then the lock command detection function is improved, but accidental lock commands are generated when the user inserts their hand to unlock the door
Solution Approach 1:
The door handle is divided into two separate handle cases: the first handle case contains the holding portion with the unlock detection electrode, while the second handle case contains the lock detection electrode. This segmentation spatially separates the detection functions to prevent simultaneous activation by a single hand insertion gesture, resolving the contradiction between detection accuracy and operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock detection electrode is positioned on the inner surface of the second handle case facing the outer panel, creating a multi-dimensional detection architecture. This spatial arrangement in different dimensions ensures that the lock and unlock detection areas are distinct, preventing false lock commands while maintaining reliable detection of intended user actions.
2Measurement precision
If the lock detection electrode is positioned to face the outer panel for accurate detection, then the detection sensitivity is improved, but water droplets may affect the electrostatic sensor causing false detections
Solution Approach 1:
The inner surface of the second handle case serves as an intermediary structure between the lock detection electrode and the outer panel. This intermediate surface allows the electrode to face the outer panel for sensitive detection while the handle case structure itself provides protection from direct water droplet contact, resolving the contradiction between detection sensitivity and water resistance.
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
Prevents accidental locking operations during unlocking attempts and ensures accurate command detection, reducing operational errors while allowing for a more flexible design and water resistance by minimizing the impact of water droplets on the electrostatic sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a lock sensor SLK for detecting a lock command of the user is arranged at an operational-portion extending portion 120... The lock sensor SLK and the unlock sensor SULK are electrostatic capacitance sensors, which detect a fluctuation of the electrostatic capacitance
Implementation Method 2
when the hand of the user approaches the vicinity of the detection electrode, another electrostatic capacity CT is established between the detection electrode and the hand of the user so as to be in parallel with the electrostatic capacity CPANEL
Data Source
AI summary
A door handle apparatus includes first and second handle cases constituting a door handle, a rotational-portion extending portion, an operational-portion extending portion, and a lock detection electrode of an electrostatic capacity sensor detecting that a door lock command is inputted, on the basis of a fluctuation of electrostatic capacity. The lock detection electrode includes an upper lock detection electrode and a lower lock detection electrode arranged to face an inner surface of an upper wall and an inner surface of a lower wall, respectively. A first electrode end surface of the upper lock detection electrode and a second electrode end surface of the lower lock detection electrode are formed into different shapes, so that a level of capacitive coupling between the lower lock detection electrode and the outer panel is set to be smaller than a level of capacitive coupling between the upper lock detection electrode and the outer panel.