Vehicle Add-On Cover With Contactless Gesture Sensing Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch technologies in vehicles, such as capacitive motion sensors, require physical contact and are hindered by environmental factors like gloves or dirt, leading to usability issues.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle add-on component with integrated capacitive motion sensors that detect user gestures contactlessly and a display device providing feedback, along with optional camera and touch-based sensors for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components (side mirror, indicator, camera, sensor) are mounted on the vehicle body, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall device complexity increases and requires multiple mounting locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate functional components (side mirror housing, indicator lens, camera module, and sensor elements) into a single integrated side mirror assembly. The mirror housing serves as a common structure that accommodates the indicator lens at its front end and the camera module at its rear end, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets and locations for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The side mirror housing is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously serves as: (1) the structural housing for the side mirror, (2) the mounting structure for the indicator lens, (3) the mounting structure for the camera module, and (4) the protective enclosure for internal components. This universal design reduces the total number of parts required.
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate mounting locations are used on the vehicle body, then each component can be independently positioned, but the manufacturing precision and alignment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating multiple mounting functions into a single side mirror housing structure, the patent eliminates the need for multiple separate mounting locations on the vehicle body. All components (mirror, indicator, camera) are positioned relative to a common reference frame provided by the housing, significantly reducing alignment precision requirements compared to mounting each component separately on the vehicle body.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used, then each component can be manufactured independently, but the overall production time and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated side mirror assembly allows multiple components to be manufactured as separate modules (mirror housing, indicator lens, camera module) that can be produced independently using optimized processes for each, then quickly assembled together in a single operation. This maintains manufacturing flexibility while reducing final assembly time compared to installing multiple separate components on the vehicle body.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera module and indicator lens are pre-assembled into the side mirror housing during manufacturing, creating a pre-integrated assembly that is then installed as a single unit on the vehicle. This preliminary integration during manufacturing eliminates the need for time-consuming on-vehicle alignment and installation of multiple separate components.
4Ease of repair
If components are mounted separately on the vehicle body, then replacement of individual components is easier, but the overall device reliability decreases due to multiple mounting points
Solution Approach 1:
The side mirror assembly is designed with segmented modules (mirror housing, indicator lens, camera module) that can be independently accessed and replaced. The indicator lens can be replaced by accessing it through the front of the housing, while the camera module can be replaced by accessing it through the rear of the housing, maintaining ease of repair while reducing the number of external mounting points.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle add-on part with integrated functional elements, which component comprises: - a cover (2) having an outer face (I) and an inner face (II), the cover (2) having at least one transparent region, - a support part (3) which is arranged on the inner face (II) of the cover (2) and is firmly connected to the cover, at least the following functional elements being fastened to the support part: i) at least one capacitive motion sensor for exclusively contactless detection of gestures on the outer face (I) of the cover (2), ii) at least one display device arranged opposite the transparent region for presentation of information based on at least one detected gesture.