Vehicle Door Sensor Integrated with Belt Molding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Powered vehicle doors can be inconvenient to open or close due to their differing speed from manual expectations, and existing solutions do not provide a seamless user interface for initiating door operation.
Innovation Solution
A belt molding and sensor combination that includes sensors emitting signals upon user action, integrated with a controller to control actuators for opening or closing the door, providing a seamless and uninterrupted user interface through capacitive or pressure-sensitive surfaces and haptic feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual handle is used to open the door, then the door can be opened with simple mechanical operation, but the operator must push and pull the door which is inconvenient and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical handle operation with an automated actuator system controlled by sensors. The sensor detects user intent (touch or gesture) and triggers an actuator to automatically open or close the powered door, eliminating the need for manual pushing or pulling while maintaining ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If a powered door with actuator is used, then manual pushing and pulling is eliminated, but the door moves at different speed than expected making operation inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect user interaction and provide feedback to the control system. The sensor signals trigger the actuator to respond appropriately, creating a feedback loop that allows the powered door to respond to user intent in a natural and expected manner, improving operational comfort.
3Ease of operation
If a separate sensor and handle are used, then door operation can be automated, but the user interface is not seamless and appears disjointed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensor and handle into a single integrated component. The sensor is positioned within or alongside the handle structure, creating a unified user interface that appears seamless to the user. This integration eliminates the visual and functional disconnect between separate components while maintaining automated door operation capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A belt molding and sensor combination for a door of a vehicle may include at least one sensor and a belt molding. The at least one sensor may be configured to emit signals upon the detection of an action intended to cause a door to open or close, and the at least one sensor may present a sensor outer surface. The belt molding may be configured to extend along at least a portion of a length of a door, and include a cap which presents an outer surface. The belt molding may be configured to be mounted on a door. The sensor outer surface may provide an extension of a cap outer surface, such that the sensor outer surface and the cap outer surface combine to provide an uninterrupted outer surface where the sensor outer surface and the cap outer surface abut against one another.