Handleless Vehicle Access Actuator With Split NFC Architecture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing actuating devices for vehicles, such as door handles, face challenges in utilizing limited installation space while maintaining aerodynamics, security, and convenience, often requiring multiple components that cannot be housed in one location.

Innovation Solution

An actuating device with a wing element arranged externally and a support unit internally, utilizing a twisted two-wire cable for communication, and distributed sensor and electronic components to facilitate secure and convenient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If sensor devices and electronic components are integrated into door handles, then automatic actuation functions are enabled, but installation space is limited and aerodynamics are impaired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic actuation functionVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating device is divided into two separate parts: a wing element (outer part) and a support unit (inner part). This segmentation allows the electronic components to be distributed between the two parts, reducing the installation space requirement in any single location while maintaining the automatic actuation function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the gap dimension between the movable part and the vehicle body by positioning the wing element in this space. This effectively adds a new dimensional space for component placement without requiring additional installation area on the vehicle surface, thus preserving aerodynamics while enabling sensor integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple components are integrated into one location, then extended functions are achieved, but installation space becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextended functionsVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating device is divided into two separate parts: a wing element (outer part) and a support unit (inner part). This segmentation allows the electronic components to be distributed between the two parts, reducing the installation space requirement in any single location while maintaining the automatic actuation function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The distributed sensor system with multiple sensors (capacitive, inductive, optical) integrated across the wing element and support unit provides extended functions including approach detection, contactless actuation, and secure authentication, achieving multi-functionality without requiring a single large installation space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If handleless design is implemented, then aerodynamics are improved, but access control reliability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaerodynamicsVSAvoidaccess control reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical door handles with a handleless design that uses sensor-based detection systems. Multiple sensors (capacitive, inductive, optical) detect user approach and authentication, substituting mechanical interaction with electronic sensing while maintaining access control reliability through secure authentication protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The wing element serves as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between the handleless aerodynamic design and the underlying electronic authentication system. It houses the communication element and sensors, enabling reliable access control without requiring a traditional mechanical handle that would compromise aerodynamics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4613574A1Operating device for vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 HUF HÜLSBECK & FÜRST GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4613574A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4613574A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4613574A1 patent drawingFigure 4

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, if necessary,Closing and/or locking a, in particular handle-less, movable part (201) of the vehicle (200), comprising: - a, in particular fixed, wing element (10), wherein the wing element (10) is designed to be arranged from the outside on the movable part (201) of the vehicle (200), wherein the wing element (10) has a communication element (NFC), in particular in the form of an NFC antenna, - a carrier unit (20) for the wing element (10), wherein the carrier unit (20) is designed to be arranged from the inside on the movable part (201) of the vehicle (200), wherein the carrier unit (20) has a main electronics unit (E2) with an evaluation unit (E2(NFC)) for the communication element (NFC) in order to carry out an authentication process (ID) with a user (300).