Handleless Vehicle Door Entry Using Window Seal Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional door entry systems for vehicles often require protrusions and recesses to accommodate hardware, which can distort the sleek design of automobiles and make them appear similar to others, hindering differentiation in the market.
Innovation Solution
A handleless door system featuring a remotely-controlled door latch, a sensor integrated into the window seal, a near-field communication antenna, and a controller that allows for door operation via a radio signal from a key fob, eliminating the need for external handles and minimizing protrusions on the vehicle's surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional door entry hardware is used, then door functionality is achieved, but protrusions and recesses in the outer envelope are created that distort design and reduce vehicle distinctiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the door handle function from the external vehicle surface by integrating the sensor behind the window seal, eliminating the need for protruding handles while maintaining door opening capability through contactless sensing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical door handle system with an electronic sensing system that detects contactless gestures (such as hand waves) to trigger door opening, eliminating the need for physical protrusions on the vehicle exterior
2Shape
If handleless door system is implemented, then aesthetic appeal and vehicle distinctiveness are enhanced by reducing protrusions, but system complexity increases with multiple sensors and controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the door entry sensing function with the existing window seal structure, integrating the sensor assembly into the seal rather than adding separate external components, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining aesthetic benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the window seal multi-functional by incorporating the door entry sensor into the seal structure, allowing the seal to serve both its traditional weather-sealing function and the new function of detecting door opening gestures
3Shape
If sensor is integrated into window seal, then seamless design is achieved with no external protrusions, but manufacturing precision requirements increase for sensor integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the sensor assembly within the window seal structure, placing the sensor behind the seal rather than requiring precise integration at the exact boundary, which tolerates manufacturing variations while maintaining the seamless appearance
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 a seamless and secure entry experience while maintaining a sleek, handle-free design, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and distinctiveness of vehicles by reducing the number of protrusions and recesses on the outer envelope.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna disposed at at least one of: flush to outer surface of the automobile; and interior to the outer surface of the automobile, the antenna configured to receive a radio signal from a key fob
Implementation Method 2
a sensor at at least one of: disposed behind a window seal; assembled on the window seal; and overmolded in the window seal, the sensor configured to sense an input from a user to open the door
Data Source
AI summary
A system for operating a handleless door of an automobile having an outer surface includes a remotely-controlled door latch, a sensor disposed at at least one of: disposed behind a window seal; assembled on the window seal; and overmolded in the window seal, and configured to sense an input from a user to open the door, the window seal being configured to transmit an input force to the sensor, and an antenna configured to receive a radio signal from a key fob in vicinity of the antenna. The system also includes a passive entry passive start (PEPS) system coupled to the antenna to authenticate the key fob as being associated with the automobile and a controller configured to receive a signal from the sensor indicating the user provided input to open the door, receive an authentication signal from the PEPS system to authenticate the key fob, and cause the remotely-controlled door latch to release based on receiving the signal from the sensor and the authentication signal from PEPS system.