Force Sensing Horn System Actuation via Airbag Module Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current horn systems in vehicles require excessive force to actuate and are prone to accidental activation due to vibrations, especially in off-road conditions, as they rely on mechanical springs for contact completion and lack sophisticated force sensing and feedback mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle horn system incorporating force sensors and actuators on a driver air bag module, with a processor to analyze force signals and select appropriate control messages for horn actuation, while also monitoring vibrations and providing tactile and audible feedback based on force characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical springs are used for contact completion in horn systems, then the horn can be actuated, but excessive force is required and accidental activation occurs due to vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical spring-based contact completion system with a force sensing system that uses force sensors to detect applied force and a processor to determine whether to complete the electrical circuit. This substitution eliminates the need for high spring force while providing more reliable and vibration-resistant actuation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter for contact completion from a purely mechanical force threshold (spring pressure) to a controlled electrical signal based on force sensor measurements. The processor analyzes force magnitude, direction, and temporal characteristics to determine circuit completion, allowing for more precise and reliable actuation control.
2Device complexity
If mechanical springs are used for contact completion, then the horn system is simple, but the system is prone to accidental activation due to vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the simple but vibration-prone mechanical spring system with a force sensing system that uses force sensors and a processor to detect and analyze applied force characteristics. This system can distinguish between intentional horn actuation and vibration-induced forces, significantly improving resistance to accidental activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where force sensors continuously monitor forces applied to the air bag module, and the processor analyzes these signals to determine whether to complete the horn circuit. This feedback loop allows the system to respond intelligently to applied forces, distinguishing between valid actuation attempts and spurious vibrations.
3Measurement precision
If force sensors and actuators are added to the horn system, then force sensing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the existing air bag module structure to house the force sensors and actuators, allowing these components to serve multiple functions: force sensing for horn actuation, vibration monitoring, and potentially other driver assistance functions. This multi-functionality approach reduces the overall system complexity compared to adding dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the horn actuation system with the air bag module by integrating force sensors and actuators into the existing structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate horn mechanisms and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining precise force sensing capabilities.
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 reduces the force required for horn actuation, minimizes accidental activations, and enhances user experience with customizable feedback profiles, improving safety and usability by accurately responding to force inputs and vehicle conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the force sensor is configured to detect force applied to the driver air bag module by measuring changes in electrical properties in response to the force
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations of a horn system include one or more force sensors disposed on a first portion of a driver air bag module and one or more actuators disposed on a second portion of the driver air bag module. For example, the force sensors may be disposed adjacent a perimeter of a base plate of the driver air bag module, and the actuators may extend inwardly toward the force sensors from an inner surface of a cover of the driver air bag module, or vice versa. To actuate the horn, the cover is moved axially toward the base plate, causing the actuators to apply force to the force sensors. Force signals received from the force sensors are used by one or more processors to determine characteristics of the force received and/or select a control message for communicating to the horn system based on the force signal characteristics.