Hands-Free Gate Control Using Laser Guidance and Ultrasonic Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of recreation vehicles face difficulties in automatically opening and closing vehicle gates while carrying loads, as existing technologies can lead to malfunctions and balance issues due to the need for manual input, especially when hands are occupied.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a laser diode unit for guiding step positions, an ultrasonic wave sensor unit for sensing step input, a gate driving unit for automatic operation, and a control unit for controlling the gate based on user input, allowing hands-free operation by recognizing a smart key and ensuring safety through visual and auditory feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a smart key sensor or laser beam blocking method is used to automatically open the door, then the driver's hands are freed from manual operation, but the system becomes prone to malfunctions such as unexpected door opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an ultrasonic sensor as an intermediary device between the driver and the door opening mechanism. The sensor detects the driver's approach and intent more reliably than simple contact sensors or laser beam blocking, reducing false activations while maintaining hands-free operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the driver's own body movements and proximity as the triggering mechanism, eliminating the need for manual button presses or key fob operations. The ultrasonic sensor automatically detects when the driver is ready to open the door based on their approach and positioning, providing intuitive self-service operation.
2Ease of operation
If a laser beam blocking method is used for automatic door opening, then hands-free operation is enabled, but the driver must swing their foot which may cause balance loss when carrying loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical foot-swinging action with an ultrasonic sensing system that detects the driver's approach and intent. This substitution eliminates the need for physical foot movements that could compromise balance, while still enabling automatic door opening through non-contact sensing of the driver's presence and positioning.
3Ease of operation
If only simple sensor input is used for door opening, then hands-free operation is achieved, but full automatic control including door closing cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting driver approach, determining door opening intent, and enabling both opening and closing operations. This multi-functional capability allows the system to achieve full automatic control of the door, managing both opening and closing sequences without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the ultrasonic sensor continuously monitors the driver's position and the door's state. Based on this feedback, the control unit automatically determines when to open or close the door, creating a closed-loop system that achieves full automatic control rather than simple one-way activation.
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
Enables stable and automatic opening and closing of vehicle gates without manual input, improving user safety and convenience by guiding users with laser points and auditory cues, ensuring proper gate operation even when hands are occupied with loads.
Implementation Method 1
a laser diode unit for indicating step positions by radiating a plurality of laser points onto the ground
Implementation Method 2
an ultrasonic wave sensor unit for measuring a distance between a bottom of the rear bumper and the step positions and sensing step input from a change in the distance due to the user stepping on the step positions
Data Source
AI summary
A system for operating a gate of a vehicle may include a laser diode unit that shows step positions for operating the gate by radiating a plurality of laser points onto the ground, an ultrasonic wave sensor unit that measures the distance between the bottom of the rear bumper and the step positions and senses step input from a change in the distance due to the user stepping on the step positions, a gate driving unit that opens/closes the gate, using a driving part, and a control unit that controls the opening/closing operation of the gate driving unit on the basis of information on a step-on status kept for a predetermined time by the user which may be found by the ultrasonic wave sensor unit.