Vehicle Handle Cam Position Sensing for Precise Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handle position detection systems in vehicles suffer from precision issues due to mechanical deviations and tolerances, leading to inaccurate identification of handle positions.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing a rotatable cam mechanism secured to a lever, with angular positions directly related to the handle's position, and switches that make contact at predetermined angles to enhance precision, reducing the tolerance chain and allowing for centralized switch placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mechanical arrangement with multiple parts (rod, lever, switch) is used to detect handle position, then the system can identify the position of the handle, but the deviation and tolerances of each part cause insufficient precision in detection
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a fixed element (switch) mounted on the handle and a moving element (cam) mounted on the lever. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized independently - the switch remains stationary while the cam rotates to provide precise angular position detection, eliminating cumulative tolerances from multiple mechanical parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical rod-lever-switch arrangement with a cam-based system where a rotating cam surface directly actuates the switch. This substitution reduces the number of mechanical linkages and eliminates the need for a sliding rod, thereby reducing tolerance accumulation while maintaining mechanical detection functionality.
2Reliability
If switches or electronic devices are used to identify handle position, then the position can be detected, but mechanical deviations cause inaccurate detection
Solution Approach 1:
The switch is pre-positioned on the handle in a fixed location, and the cam is designed with specific engagement points that correspond to predetermined handle positions. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the cam rotates to specific angular positions, it reliably actuates the switch at the correct moments, improving detection accuracy despite manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from linear displacement (rod position) to angular position (cam rotation). The cam converts the linear motion of the lever into rotational motion, allowing the switch to detect position based on angular thresholds. This parameter change improves precision because angular positions can be more accurately defined and reproduced than linear positions in mechanical systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for identifying a position of a grip member of a vehicle handle includes a cam rotatably movable inside the device around an axis fixed relative to the grip member. The cam is rotatably secured to a lever, which is rotatably movable around the axis, so that an angular position of the cam around the axis is directly related to an angular position of the lever around the axis. The angular position of the lever is also mechanically related to the position of the grip member. The device includes at least one switch secured to the handle and complementary to a member of the cam, so that the at least one switch is configured to be in electrical contact with the member of the cam when the angular position of the cam is equal to one or more predetermined angular positions around the axis.