Hands-Free Cargo Vehicle Door Access With Kneeling Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial vehicles face challenges in efficiently lowering their floor height for easier loading and unloading of heavy items and in providing hands-free door operation, especially when carrying loads, which affects user safety and satisfaction.
Innovation Solution
An automated door system is implemented in commercial vehicles, utilizing a combination of manual and hands-free actuating devices, including RFID and photoelectric systems, to automatically unlock and open doors based on the vehicle's operating state, and an adjustable suspension system to lower the vehicle into a kneeling position, facilitating easier access and unloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the vehicle floor is positioned low to enable efficient loading and unloading, then ease of operation is improved, but the vehicle cannot achieve a kneeling position to reduce floor height further
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing an adjustable suspension system that enables the vehicle floor to transition between a nominal position and a kneeling position. The suspension system allows dynamic adjustment of the vehicle height, transforming the static floor position into a dynamic, adaptable configuration that can respond to different operational requirements.
2Device complexity
If manual door unlocking is required, then device complexity is reduced, but user safety and convenience deteriorate when carrying loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service through hands-free door actuation systems that automatically detect the user's presence and perform door unlocking and opening operations without manual intervention. The system uses sensors to detect when the user approaches or is carrying loads, and automatically executes the door opening sequence, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring user action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical door operation with automated sensor-based systems. Optical sensors, RFID readers, and other detection devices substitute for manual key insertion or button pressing, detecting user presence and triggering automated door actuation sequences that eliminate the need for mechanical manual operation.
3Ease of operation
If hands-free door actuation is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional door control system that integrates multiple actuation methods (manual buttons, key fob, RFID detection, optical sensing) into a single unified system. The door control unit can respond to various input types and vehicle states, making the system versatile enough to handle different operational scenarios without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
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 automated door system enhances user safety and satisfaction by reducing manual effort during loading and unloading, while the adjustable suspension system improves access and reduces the strain of handling heavy items, allowing for hands-free operation of doors.
Implementation Method 1
The hands-free actuating device may include one or more of a RFID system
Implementation Method 2
The hands-free actuating device may include one or more of a photoelectric system
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for an automated door system for a vehicle. In one example, the automated door system may include a set of manual actuating devices and a set of hands-free actuating devices for automatically unlocking and opening the doors of a commercial vehicle used for transporting cargo. The manual and hands-free actuating devices may be used in response to the operating state of the vehicle.