Flexible Sensor Strip for Curved Vehicle Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible sensor strips for motor vehicles, such as those used on tailgates, movable roof elements, or convertible tops, face challenges in covering the entire area to be monitored due to rigid or 2D-flexible designs, leading to insufficient coverage and high costs and installation efforts.
Innovation Solution
A flexible sensor strip with a first continuous portion and a second portion that is at least partially electrically connected, featuring alternately arranged recesses and mounting portions, arranged at an angle with respect to each other, allowing for flexible arrangement parallel to spatially freely arranged surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If rigid or 2D-flexible sensor strips are used, then manufacturing and installation are simpler, but the sensor strip cannot cover the entire area to be monitored on curved surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor strip is divided into multiple individual sensor elements that can be independently positioned and oriented. These segmented sensors are distributed across the mounting surface to achieve complete coverage of curved areas without requiring the entire strip to conform to the curve simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor strip transitions from a strictly 2D planar arrangement to a 3D distributed configuration. Sensors are positioned at different locations and orientations on the curved surface, utilizing three-dimensional space to maintain coverage while adapting to the surface geometry.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor strip is divided into pieces to accommodate curved surfaces, then adaptability to spatially freely arranged surfaces improves, but the entire area to be monitored cannot be covered and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system uses standardized sensor elements that can function in multiple positions and orientations. Each sensor element is designed to be universally applicable across different locations on the curved surface, eliminating the need for custom configurations while maintaining complete area coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple individual sensor elements are combined to form a complete monitoring system. Rather than using separate fragmented strips, the invention merges numerous discrete sensors into a unified coverage pattern that collectively monitors the entire curved surface area.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor strip is divided into pieces, then installation on curved surfaces becomes possible, but costs and installation efforts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses numerous inexpensive individual sensor elements rather than expensive continuous flexible strips. These simple, low-cost sensor units can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, significantly reducing overall system cost while maintaining adaptability to curved surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor elements are designed for simple self-installation without requiring complex assembly procedures. Each sensor can be independently mounted and configured, eliminating the need for specialized installation equipment or procedures and reducing labor costs.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a flexible sensor strip for a motor vehicle, in particular for a tailgate, a movable roof element or a convertible top of a motor vehicle, the flexible sensor strip including: a first continuous portion; a second portion, which is at least partially electrically connected to the first continuous portion, and comprises alternately arranged recesses and mounting portions; where the first continuous portion and the second portion are arranged at an angle to each other.