Vehicle Handle Module with Segmented Sensor for Consistent Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional handle modules for vehicle components like doors and engine bonnets lack the ability to be actuated at any point, leading to inconsistent actuation forces and potential sensor element deformation, which affects the stability and design freedom.

Innovation Solution

A handle module with a movable sensor element and a fixed sensor element arranged at a bearing point, allowing actuation at any desired point, with the movable sensor element being shiftable relative to the fixed element, and optionally assisted by a spring element, to maintain consistent actuation force and avoid deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the sensor element is fixed in a specific position on the handle, then the handle can only be actuated at that specific point, but this limits the actuation points and creates inconsistent actuation forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuation point flexibilityVSAvoidactuation location flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system is segmented into multiple independent sensor elements distributed at different positions on the handle. Each sensor element can independently detect actuation forces, allowing the handle to be actuated at multiple different points while maintaining consistent detection capability throughout the handle surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor elements are designed with dynamic characteristics, including spring-assisted movable sensor surfaces that can deflect and return to their original positions. This dynamic design allows the sensors to accommodate actuation forces applied at various locations while maintaining consistent detection sensitivity across different actuation points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the sensor element is rigidly mounted to detect actuation, then the sensor signal generation is simple, but this causes sensor element deformation and affects stability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor signal stabilityVSAvoidsensor element deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Spring elements are pre-installed to support the sensor elements, providing cushioning and force distribution before actuation occurs. These springs absorb and distribute the actuation forces, preventing excessive deformation of the sensor elements while ensuring reliable signal generation. The spring-assisted design compensates for variations in actuation force magnitude applied at different handle locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Device complexity

If a single sensor element is used at one location, then the device complexity is low, but this creates inconsistent actuation force detection across different handle regions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor module structureVSAvoidactuation force consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system is divided into multiple sensor elements positioned at different locations on the handle, including sensor elements on opposite sides of the handle. This segmentation allows each sensor element to detect actuation forces locally, and the combined signals provide consistent detection regardless of where the handle is actuated, improving measurement precision without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 actuation of the handle at any point, maintaining consistent actuation force and stability, and allows for detection of movement changes, enhancing the sensitivity and reliability of the sensor signal generation.

Implementation Method 1

the movable sensor element is arranged in the region of the bearing point between handle and handle carrier in such a way that, in the event of an actuating force acting on the handle, the movable sensor element is shiftable or movable relative to the fixed sensor element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS20240279967A1Handle module, in particular exterior handle module

Publication Date: 2024.08.22 WITTE AUTOMOTIVE GMBH

AI summary

A handle module may have a handle, a handle carrier with at least one bearing point for the movable mounting of the handle relative to the handle carrier and an electronic sensor unit which has at least one movable sensor element and a fixed sensor element, which is arranged opposite the movable sensor element. The movable sensor element may be arranged in the region of the bearing point between handle and handle carrier in such a way that, in the event of an actuating force acting on the handle, the movable sensor element is shiftable or movable relative to the fixed sensor element.