Handle-Free Vehicle Access Wing Switch for Tight Door Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuating devices for vehicle access systems, such as door handles, face challenges with limited installation space, aerodynamic design, and the need for secure and convenient operation without compromising the vehicle's appearance, while also requiring multiple components that cannot be housed in one location.
Innovation Solution
An actuating device with a fixed wing element designed as a double-sided switch, incorporating inductive sensors and an NFC antenna, allows for secure and convenient operation by detecting user actions through pushing and pulling movements, while utilizing limited space efficiently and maintaining aerodynamics, with separate components distributed to avoid interference and simplify installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If sensor devices and mechanical/electronic components are integrated in one location (door handle), then the device complexity is reduced, but the installation space requirement increases and aerodynamic design is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating device is divided into multiple independent components: a first component (wing element with sensor device) arranged on the exterior and a second component (electronic components) arranged separately. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the wing element maintains aerodynamic appearance while the electronic components are placed in available space elsewhere on the door.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional integrated housing to a distributed two-dimensional arrangement of components across the door surface. The wing element and sensor device are positioned on the exterior surface, while electronic components are placed separately, effectively using the door's surface area rather than requiring a single volumetric space.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If additional gaps, joints, and recesses are added for handleless design, then the aerodynamic performance is improved, but the installation space for components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device is integrated into the wing element structure itself, merging the sensing function with the aerodynamic component. This eliminates the need for separate housings or additional gaps, as the sensor is embedded within the existing wing element that serves both aerodynamic and actuation purposes.
3Ease of operation
If the wing element is designed as a double-sided switch, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wing element serves multiple functions: it acts as both the aerodynamic cover and the actuating switch. By making the wing element itself responsive to touch inputs on both sides, the design eliminates the need for separate buttons or switches, reducing overall device complexity while improving ease of operation.
4Shape
If components are distributed separately, then the aerodynamic design is maintained, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into modular components that can be manufactured independently and then assembled. The wing element with embedded sensor can be produced as one module, while the electronic components are manufactured separately and installed in available space, simplifying both manufacturing and installation processes.
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
The actuating device effectively utilizes limited vehicle space, ensures secure and convenient operation, maintains aerodynamic design, and facilitates easy installation, while enabling various functions like unlocking, opening, and locking without additional gaps, and provides emergency access even in power failure scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor device has a first sensor unit, in particular in the form of an inductive sensor unit, to detect at least one actuation action
Implementation Method 2
The actuating device has a communication element, in particular in the form of an NFC antenna
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an actuating device (100) for an access system (110) of a vehicle (200) for actuating, preferably unlocking and/or opening and optionally closing and/or locking, a movable part (201), in particular a handle-free part, of the vehicle (200), comprising a wing element (10), in particular a fixed wing element, wherein the wing element (10) is designed to be arranged from the outside on the movable part (201) of the vehicle (200), and wherein the wing element (10) is designed as a switch on both sides in order to detect at least one actuating action (B1, B2) of a user (300), in particular a touch, preferably a pulling movement (B1) and/or a pushing movement (B2).