Foam Block Metallized Layer for Vehicle Door Handle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door handle detection systems using capacitive and inductive sensors are prone to false detections due to environmental conditions and handle materials, which can lead to unwanted vehicle operations, such as handle deployment or door opening, and are unreliable in detecting user intentions.
Innovation Solution
A detection device integrated into vehicle handles or frames, utilizing a foam block with a metallized layer as a support for sensors, providing a durable and flexible support for electrodes or targets, ensuring reliable detection by preventing water infiltration and allowing for precise movement tracking of user interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If capacitive sensors with electrodes are used to detect user approach and contact, then presence detection capability is improved, but false detections occur due to environmental conditions and metal parts coupling
Solution Approach 1:
A foam support element is introduced as an intermediary between the electrode and the environment. This foam element isolates the electrode from direct contact with metal parts and environmental factors, preventing harmful capacitive coupling while maintaining the electrode's detection functionality. The foam acts as a mediator that preserves the beneficial detection capability while eliminating the source of false detections.
Solution Approach 2:
The foam support element is a simple, inexpensive component that provides effective isolation. Rather than using complex shielding structures or expensive specialized materials, the patent employs a straightforward foam element that can be easily manufactured and integrated into the handle assembly, providing reliable false detection prevention.
2Measurement precision
If inductive sensors with metal targets are used to detect hand contact, then contact detection is improved, but false detections occur due to vibrations and shocks
Solution Approach 1:
The foam support element serves as an intermediary that dampens vibrations and shocks before they reach the metal target. The foam's viscoelastic properties absorb mechanical energy, isolating the target from environmental vibrations and vehicle shocks, thereby preventing false detections while preserving legitimate contact detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The foam element provides beforehand cushioning by being positioned between the target and sources of vibration. This preemptive isolation prevents vibration transmission to the sensitive inductive sensor components, eliminating false detections before they can occur.
3Ease of operation
If detection zones are integrated into door handles, then user convenience is improved, but water infiltration and environmental damage to sensors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The foam support element acts as an intermediary barrier that prevents water infiltration to the sensor components. The foam material is inherently water-resistant and creates a protective interface between the external environment and the internal electronics, shielding sensitive components from moisture while maintaining detection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The foam element provides flexible protection against environmental factors. Its cellular structure and material properties create a protective barrier that resists water penetration while allowing the detection zone to maintain its ergonomic integration in the door handle.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are integrated into the handle housing, then detection functionality is improved, but housing space and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The foam support element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for electrodes and targets, isolates components from environmental factors, dampens vibrations, prevents water infiltration, and facilitates electrical connections. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby simplifying the overall housing integration despite the presence of multiple sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the support structure, isolation barrier, and vibration damping elements into a single foam component. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts that would need to be integrated into the housing, simplifying assembly and reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive sensor functionality.
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 solution enhances detection reliability by preventing false detections and ensuring safe and efficient vehicle operation, maintaining user safety and convenience by accurately determining user intentions to lock or unlock the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
a metallized layer 12 borne by part of an outer contour of a foam block 13
Implementation Method 2
The foam block 13 furthermore makes it possible to ensure the seal tightness of an electrical connection member connecting the electrode to the capacitive measuring circuit 2
Implementation Method 3
capacitive sensors able to measure an approach and contact
Implementation Method 4
inductive sensors able only to measure contact of the hand of the user on the handle or the frame
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a device for detecting a user's intention to lock or unlock a motor vehicle opening element, the device being intended to be integrated into a handle or into a frame of the opening element and including a voltage source, a printed circuit and at least one sensor for detecting an approach and/or contact of a hand of the user on the handle or the frame. A detection unit of the detection sensor is at least partially in the form of a metallized layer borne by part of an outer contour of a foam block in contact against the housing through a bearing face, the face of the foam block opposite the bearing face bearing the majority of the metallized layer.