Vehicle Door Ultrasonic Sensor Close-Range Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door opening systems for motor vehicles face challenges in reliably detecting objects in close proximity to prevent collisions during door opening, as conventional ultrasonic sensors can be affected by multiple reflections and fail to accurately determine object height, leading to potential damage or incomplete opening.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing an ultrasonic sensor to detect objects in a close range by determining the presence of an object within a predetermined close range using an ultrasonic signal, where the sensor's membrane oscillates at its resonance frequency, allowing for reliable detection of objects without determining their distance, and a control system limits the door's opening to prevent collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional ultrasonic sensors are used to detect objects in the detection area, then object detection is possible, but multiple reflections in the close range cause false echoes and unreliable detection
Solution Approach 1:
The detection area is segmented into two distinct zones: a close range (first area) where multiple reflections occur and a detection area (second area) where reliable echo detection is possible. By spatially separating these zones and applying different detection strategies, the system avoids using unreliable multiple reflection signals while maintaining comprehensive object detection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful multiple reflection signals from the close range are extracted and excluded from the detection process. The system deliberately ignores echoes originating from the first area (close range) and only processes signals from the second area (detection area), effectively removing the source of detection errors.
2Productivity
If the ultrasonic sensor detects objects at a distance of 50 cm, then object detection is sufficient for parking assistance, but objects in the close range cause multiple reflections that falsify echo spacing
Solution Approach 1:
The detection space is divided into a close range zone and a detection area, allowing the system to maintain efficient long-range detection while excluding the problematic close-range multiple reflections from signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the harmful effect of multiple reflections into a useful feature by using the absence of valid echoes in the close range as a detection criterion. Objects that cause multiple reflections are identified precisely because they prevent valid echo formation in the excluded zone.
3Length of stationary object
If the decay time of the ultrasonic sensor is increased to detect close range objects, then the sensor can detect objects nearer to the vehicle, but the close range is enlarged and actual echo spacing is falsified
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the detection range and establishing a minimum distance threshold, the system allows extended sensor range while maintaining precise echo spacing measurement for valid detections in the detection area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system preliminarily filters out close-range signals before they can contaminate the echo spacing measurements. By establishing a dead zone or minimum detection distance in advance, valid echo spacing information is preserved for objects in the detection area.
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 system effectively prevents door collisions with objects by reliably detecting their presence in the close range, allowing for safe and complete opening of the door without requiring precise distance measurement, thus enhancing the safety and functionality of door opening assistance.
Implementation Method 1
detecting the presence of an object in a close range by means of an ultrasonic signal emitted by the ultrasonic sensor and reflected by the object
Implementation Method 2
the sensor's membrane oscillates at its resonance frequency
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for opening a wing element (6), in particular a door, of a motor vehicle (1), wherein the presence of an object (14) in an opening region (13), in which the wing element (6) can be moved during opening, is detected by means of a detecting device (3), and by means of a limiting device (5) a movement of the wing element (6) during opening in the opening region (13) is limited depending upon the presence of the object (14). The presence of the object (14) is detected by means of an ultrasound sensor of the detecting device (3) in a predetermined near region (10) adjoining the ultrasound sensor in the opening region (13) with the aid of an ultrasound signal transmitted by the ultrasound sensor and reflected by the object (14).