Vehicle Door Position Sensor Using Hinge-Integrated Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle door systems lack efficient mechanisms for determining the door's open or closed condition accurately, which can lead to operational inefficiencies and safety issues, such as preventing vehicle movement without ensuring the door is properly closed.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a hinge with a sensor and controller that determines the door's position relative to the vehicle frame, using a position sensor to output signals indicating whether the door is closed or open, and an actuator to assist in opening or closing the door while detecting potential obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional door systems are used without position sensors, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of door position and reliability of door condition determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical position detection mechanisms with electronic sensors (optical, magnetic, or capacitive sensors) that can accurately determine door position and condition without requiring mechanical linkages or switches. This substitution achieves high measurement precision while actually reducing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces position sensors as intermediary devices between the door mechanism and the control system. These sensors act as mediators that convert physical door position into electrical signals, enabling accurate door condition determination without direct mechanical interaction between the door and control systems.
2Reliability
If no door position monitoring system is implemented, then the device complexity is reduced, but the safety and operational reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where position sensors continuously monitor door position and provide real-time information to the control system. This feedback enables the system to reliably determine door condition (open, closed, ajar) and respond appropriately, enhancing safety without requiring complex manual monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The door monitoring system performs self-service by automatically detecting and reporting door conditions without requiring external intervention. The sensors and control system work autonomously to monitor door position, eliminate the need for manual checking, and improve reliability through continuous automated surveillance.
3Ease of operation
If manual door operation is used without assist mechanisms, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates for heavy doors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using sensors to detect door position and predict required assist forces before the user attempts to move the door. The system pre-calculates and prepares the appropriate level of motor assistance, enabling smooth and easy door operation from any position without requiring the user to first assess the door weight or position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic door operation assistance where the motor support mechanism continuously adjusts its output force based on real-time door position, velocity, and external conditions (such as wind or door weight). This dynamic adjustment provides optimal ease of operation across the entire door movement range, from fully closed to fully open positions.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for determining a door condition includes a hinge including a first portion coupled with a door and a second portion coupled with a vehicle frame and rotatably coupled with the first portion. The system further includes a sensor outputting a signal related to a position of the first portion relative to the second portion and a controller receiving the signal and determining whether the signal corresponds to a door closed condition or a door open condition.