Frunk Panel Opening via Mirror-Based Gesture Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door handles for front trunks (frunks) require manual mechanical actuation from outside the vehicle, which can be inconvenient for users carrying items.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system integrated into the exterior rearview mirror assembly detects user gestures or proximity to automatically unlock and open the frunk panel, allowing hands-free access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sensor system integrated into the exterior rearview mirror assembly is used to detect user gestures or proximity, then hands-free access to the frunk panel is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The exterior rearview mirror assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: its traditional rearview function plus gesture detection and proximity sensing for frunk access. By integrating the sensor system into the existing mirror assembly, the patent leverages a multi-functional component that reduces the need for separate dedicated gesture detection devices, thereby mitigating the increase in overall device complexity while enabling hands-free operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system acts as an intermediary between the user and the frunk panel locking mechanism. Instead of direct mechanical interaction, the sensor detects user presence or gestures and triggers the latch mechanism through an electrical signal, enabling hands-free access while managing the complexity through automated mediation rather than direct user manipulation.
2Ease of operation
If automatic unlocking based on gesture detection is implemented, then user convenience is improved, but the reliability of the locking mechanism may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of user presence or intent through gesture recognition before triggering the unlocking action. This preliminary verification step ensures that the automatic unlocking only occurs when genuine user intent is detected, preventing premature or unauthorized activation while maintaining the convenience of hands-free operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system provides feedback about detected gestures or proximity to the control system, which then determines whether to activate the unlocking mechanism. This feedback loop allows the system to verify user intent before executing the unlocking action, thereby maintaining reliability while enabling automatic operation. The system can distinguish between intentional gestures and incidental movements.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular frunk cover panel opening system includes a frunk cover panel disposed at a forward cargo area of a vehicle and movable between a closed position and an opened position. A sensor is disposed at an exterior rearview mirror assembly of the vehicle and senses exterior of the vehicle. The system is operable to determine whether an authorized user is present exterior of the vehicle. The system is operable to determine, based at least in part on an output of the sensor, that the authorized user exterior of the vehicle is approaching the frunk cover panel. Responsive to determining the authorized user, and based on determination that the authorized user is at or near the frunk cover panel, the system adjusts a latch mechanism from a locked state to an unlocked state to allow the frunk cover panel to move from the closed position toward the opened position.