Motor Vehicle Gear Selector Actuation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting unintentional or improper operation of safety-critical control elements in motor vehicles, such as gear selectors, are either cumbersome or prone to false triggers, often requiring complex optical sensors or additional buttons that compromise user experience and safety.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a plurality of sensors, preferably capacitive proximity sensors, on the operating element to record and analyze the chronological sequence of activations, differentiating intended from unintended actuations by passengers, thereby blocking unsafe actions without the need for complex optical detection or additional buttons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex optical sensors with image processing are used to detect unintentional operation, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple simple sensors distributed at different positions on the operating element, each detecting local contact events. This segmentation allows the system to achieve reliable detection through distributed sensing rather than relying on a single complex optical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex optical detection systems with simple contact sensors that detect mechanical contact events. This substitution uses basic sensor technology to detect the sequence and position of contacts, achieving reliable detection without the complexity of optical image processing.
2Reliability
If an additional button is added to the operating element to prevent unintentional actuation, then safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic evaluation of the sensor activation sequence rather than static additional buttons. The system analyzes the temporal and spatial pattern of sensor activations to determine whether the operation is intentional, allowing safe operation without adding physical buttons that would complicate the interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback by analyzing the sequence of sensor activations and using this information to determine whether to execute the associated action. This feedback mechanism replaces the need for additional physical buttons by using intelligent evaluation of the contact pattern.
3Measurement precision
If additional sensors are added to detect contact sequence, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operating element is divided into multiple sensor zones at different positions, with each zone containing a simple contact sensor. This segmentation provides precise detection of contact location and sequence without requiring complex individual sensors, as the precision comes from the distributed arrangement rather than sensor complexity.
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
This approach effectively and simply detects unintended actuations, enhancing safety by preventing unsafe gear changes and improving user comfort by eliminating the need for additional buttons, while using inexpensive sensors for reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of sensors, in particular capacitive proximity sensors, are arranged on the operating element
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for processing an actuation of an operating element (1) in a motor vehicle, in particular an operating lever, wherein the operating element (1) is actuated at least by the driver of the motor vehicle, and a plurality of sensors (S1, S2, S3, S4), which are activated at least in part in the event of an actuation of the operating element (1), are arranged on the operating element (1). The method according to the invention is characterized in that the temporal order of activation of the sensors (S1, S2, S3, S4) during actuation of the operating element (1) is detected and, on the basis of the temporal order, it is determined whether the actuation is undesired, undesired actuations comprising unintended actuations and/or actuations by a passenger. The execution of one or a plurality of actions in the motor vehicle that are coupled to the actuation of the operating element (1) is blocked in the event of an undesired actuation.