Vehicle Door Proximity Sensing for Hands-Free Loading Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial vehicles face challenges in accommodating heavy loads and ensuring user safety due to limited floor height adjustment and manual door operation, which can lead to decreased customer satisfaction and increased effort for loading and unloading.
Innovation Solution
An automated door system for vehicles, comprising a key fob with a transmitter, sensors at the vehicle doors linked to a vehicle control unit, and using RFID and photoelectric sensors to monitor the key fob's position and automate door locking, unlocking, and opening based on user proximity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual door operation is required, then door security is maintained, but user convenience and safety decrease when carrying loads
Solution Approach 1:
The door system automatically detects user proximity via RFID sensors and executes locking/unlocking and opening/closing operations without manual intervention. The system serves itself by monitoring key fob presence and autonomously controlling door actuators, eliminating the need for users to manually operate doors while carrying loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical door operation with an automated electromechanical system. RFID sensors detect key fob proximity, and electric actuators control door locking and opening mechanisms, substituting the need for manual key insertion or handle pulling with automated electronic control.
2Productivity
If vehicle floor height is fixed, then structural simplicity is maintained, but loading and unloading efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle suspension system is designed to dynamically adjust floor height based on operational needs. The system transitions between a first position (lowered) for loading/unloading operations and a second position (raised) for normal driving, allowing the vehicle to adapt its configuration to different operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system is pre-configured to automatically lower the vehicle to a first position when loading or unloading is detected, preparing the vehicle in advance for efficient cargo operations. This preliminary positioning action reduces the effort required during loading and unloading activities.
3Reliability
If automated door system with sensors is implemented, then user safety and convenience improve, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID sensor system serves multiple functions: it detects key fob proximity for automated door operations, monitors vehicle access security, and integrates with the suspension system to coordinate door and floor position adjustments. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated sensors for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The door control system continuously monitors RFID sensor signals regarding key fob proximity and uses this feedback to automatically adjust door locking and opening states. The system also receives feedback from suspension position sensors to coordinate door operations with vehicle floor height, ensuring safe and convenient access.
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 automated door system enhances user safety and convenience by allowing hands-free operation of vehicle doors and adjusting the vehicle floor height to facilitate easier loading and unloading, thereby improving customer satisfaction.
Implementation Method 1
the set of sensors includes one or more of an RFID tag and a photoelectric sensor
Implementation Method 2
the set of sensors includes one or more of an RFID tag and a photoelectric sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for an automated door system for a vehicle. In one example, the automated door system may include a key fob configured with a transmitter. A set of sensors may be located at a door of the vehicle which may be communicatively linked to a vehicle control unit. A position of the key fob relative to the door may be monitored by the set of sensors to provide hands-free actuation of the door motor.