Vehicle Door Handle Touch Control Zone for Lock Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door lock control systems are manually actuated and have small actuation areas, making them difficult to operate, especially when multiple switches are present, and there is a need for a more intuitive and efficient method to control door locks.
Innovation Solution
A touch control system integrated into the vehicle door handle, utilizing a touch sensor that sends a control signal to an ECU to operate an electric motor, allowing for lock and unlock operations with increased control area and optional double-tap or gesture recognition for secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual momentary-type switches are used for door lock control, then the control mechanism is simple and reliable, but the actuation area is small and multiple switches increase operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple door lock control functions into a single touch-sensitive control zone on the door handle. Instead of requiring separate physical switches for different door locks, the touch control zone integrates control for multiple doors through software logic that interprets different touch patterns (single tap, double tap, hold duration) to activate different locking functions, thereby reducing the number of physical components while maintaining comprehensive control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The touch control zone serves multiple functions: it can lock individual doors, lock all doors simultaneously, unlock doors, and provide feedback through visual indicators. A single control element replaces what would traditionally require multiple dedicated switches, making the control system more versatile and easier to operate
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control switches are provided on the door, then comprehensive control of multiple doors is achieved, but the operator must feel for and identify the desired switch which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The touch control zone acts as an intermediary between the operator and the door lock system. Instead of directly manipulating multiple physical switches, the operator interacts with a single intuitive touch-sensitive area on the door handle, and the system's control unit translates different touch patterns into appropriate door locking commands, simplifying the interaction while maintaining full control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The touch control zone incorporates visual feedback through illumination changes (e.g., LED indicators that change color or intensity) to indicate the current lock state and provide confirmation when a touch command is received. This visual feedback mechanism replaces the need for physical switch identification, allowing operators to understand system status and control outcomes through light signals rather than tactile exploration
3Area of stationary object
If small actuation area switches are used, then the device size is reduced, but the actuation area becomes difficult to operate especially in cold or gloomy conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional physical switch surfaces to a larger touch-sensitive zone that can detect touches across a broader area. The touch control zone utilizes the surface of the door handle itself, transforming the control interface into a distributed sensing area rather than a small concentrated switch, thereby increasing accessibility while maintaining a sleek design
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
Facilitates intuitive and efficient control of vehicle door locks with a larger operational area, reducing the complexity of multiple switches and enabling operation from both inside and outside the vehicle, enhancing user experience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A door lock control system includes a door lock control zone that is provided on the vehicle door handle. The door lock control zone includes a touch sensor that provides a control signal to an ECU based on an operator touch.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a vehicle door including a vehicle door handle that moves a door latch assembly between a latched configuration and an unlatched configuration. A door lock apparatus is operatively connected to the door latch assembly. An electric motor moves the door lock apparatus between a locked configuration to disallow operation of the door latch assembly using the vehicle door handle and an unlocked configuration that allows operation of the door latch assembly using the vehicle door handle. A door lock control system includes a door lock control zone that is provided on the vehicle door handle. The door lock control zone includes a touch sensor that provides a control signal to an ECU based on an operator touch. The ECU operates the electric motor based on the control signal.