Motorized Vehicle Door Handle Position Sensing With Step Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized vehicle door handle assemblies require complex and costly sensor systems for precise handle position detection, increasing complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle door handle assembly using a hall effect sensor and a magnet, or alternative sensors and detection objects, to detect handle position, combined with a brushless direct current electric motor to count steps and adjust position, simplifying the system while maintaining precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to precisely detect handle position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the position detection function with the existing actuator system by using the actuator's step counting capability as the primary position reference. The single sensor (hall effect sensor or capacitive sensor) works in conjunction with the actuator's internal step counter to provide precise position detection without requiring multiple independent sensors. This merging of functions reduces sensor quantity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the actuator's step count provides continuous position information that is cross-referenced with sensor detection. The control unit compares the expected position (based on step count) with the actual sensor reading to detect and correct any positional deviations. This feedback loop enables precise position detection using minimal sensors while compensating for mechanical play and detection errors.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to precisely detect handle position, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the position detection function with the actuator's existing step counting capability, eliminating the need for multiple expensive sensors. By using the actuator's internal position tracking combined with a single sensor, the system achieves precise detection at lower component cost and simpler assembly requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves dual purposes: it both moves the handle and provides position information through its step counter. This self-service capability reduces the need for separate detection systems, lowering overall system cost while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
3Device complexity
If the actuator counts its own steps to determine position, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may be affected by mechanical play
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the sensor to provide feedback on the actual handle position, which is then compared with the position predicted by the actuator's step count. The control unit calculates the difference (error) and commands the actuator to make corrective movements to eliminate this error. This feedback mechanism compensates for mechanical play and ensures high position accuracy despite using a simple step-counting actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical position tracking with an electronic control system that uses sensor feedback and software-based error correction. Instead of relying solely on mechanical precision, the system uses electronic sensing and computational correction to achieve high accuracy, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic control.
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
The solution provides an economic and simple motorized vehicle door handle assembly capable of precise handle position detection, reducing complexity and cost while accurately detecting tiny movements.
Implementation Method 1
the position sensor is a hall effect sensor and the detection object is a magnet
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle door handle assembly includes a bracket and a handle, a first extremity of the handle being connected to a first end of a first lever, a second extremity of the handle being connected to a first end of a second lever, the second end of the second lever being connected to a second end of the first lever with at least one rod, the actuator includes an electric motor designed to count its number of steps, and a position sensor is positioned on either a fix element or a mobile element, a detection object being positioned on the other fix or mobile element facing the position sensor, the position sensor and the detection object being positioned in such a way that the position sensor detects the detection object when the handle is in its deployed position.