Vehicle Handle Module With Integrated Sensing and Key-Cap Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor devices for actuating vehicle movable parts, such as doors, require separate lighting devices, leading to increased installation time, effort, and space, as well as requiring different manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A modularly configured electronic device with integrated sensor and lighting functions, combined in a single module component, which includes a support housing for direct fastening to vehicle handles, grip recesses, or outer skins, enabling simplified installation and reduced space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate lighting devices are used in sensor devices, then lighting function is provided, but installation time and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sensor device and lighting device into a single integrated module. The housing contains both the sensor unit and lighting unit, which are electrically connected through a common connector. This merging eliminates the need for separate installation of lighting devices, directly reducing installation time and effort while maintaining both sensing and lighting functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated module serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sensor detection capabilities (inductive, capacitive, or optical sensors) and lighting functions (LED or other light sources) within a single device. This multi-functionality allows the same component to replace both separate sensor and lighting devices, simplifying the overall system structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate lighting devices are used in sensor devices, then lighting function is provided, but installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the sensor device and lighting device into a single integrated housing, the patent significantly reduces the total installation space required. The compact design places both functional units within one module, eliminating the need for separate mounting locations and reducing the overall footprint in the vehicle door assembly.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate lighting devices are used in sensor devices, then lighting function is provided, but manufacturing processes become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated module can be manufactured as a single unit or pre-assembled package, simplifying the manufacturing process. Both the sensor and lighting components are housed together with shared electrical connections, reducing the number of separate manufacturing and assembly steps required compared to installing separate devices.
4Productivity
If integrated sensor and lighting device is used, then installation time and space are reduced, but device integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While integrated, the module maintains internal segmentation between the sensor unit and lighting unit, each with their own housings and electrical connections. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing and assembly, where the sensor and lighting components can be produced separately and then integrated into the final module, reducing the complexity of integration while maintaining installation efficiency.
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 integrated solution provides a compact, easy-to-install module component that offers both sensor and lighting functions, enhancing user experience with intuitive and convenient operation while reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor device (31, 32) is for detecting an activation action
Implementation Method 2
The sensor device (31, 32) is for detecting an activation action
Implementation Method 3
The light source (33) is for illuminating through the key cap (21)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a module component (100) for a movable part (201) of a vehicle (200), comprising:a support housing (10) for fastening the module component (100) to the movable part (201) of the vehicle (200),a key device (20) for actuating the movable part (201) of the vehicle (200),wherein the key device (20) comprises a key cap (21) configured to receive an activation action, in particular a touch and/or force, of a user,wherein an activation element (24) is arranged on the key cap (21) to be able to detect a presence and/or an activation action of the user,and an electronic device (30) for providing lighting functions and/or sensor functions when the movable part (201) of the vehicle (200) is actuated,wherein the electronic device (30) is fastened to the support housing (10),wherein the electronic device (30) comprises a sensor device (31, 32) for a presence detection and/or an activation action detection at the activation element (24),and wherein the electronic device (30) comprises at least one lighting device (33) for illuminating through the key cap (21).