Vehicle Hatch Light Barrier Obstacle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control devices for automatically closing vehicle hatches do not reliably prevent collisions with objects or persons, as they may accidentally trigger closure even when a person is in the vicinity, leading to potential harm.
Innovation Solution
A control system comprising a programmable electronic controller, an operating switch, and a light barrier device using a light-emitting actuator and sensors to monitor the hatch opening, ensuring the hatch only closes if no obstacle is detected, and emitting a timed light to differentiate from sun radiation and prevent false obstacle detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a non-contact proximity sensor is used as the operating switch for triggering an operating request signal for closing a hatch, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of preventing accidental closure is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
A light barrier device acts as an intermediary safety mechanism between the operating switch and the hatch closing action. The light barrier detects obstacles in the hatch path and sends signals to the controller to prevent closure when obstacles are present, thus mediating between the ease of non-contact operation and the reliability of preventing accidental closure
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through the light barrier device that continuously monitors the hatch area and provides real-time information to the controller. When an obstacle is detected, the feedback signal prevents the closing operation, creating a closed-loop control system that enhances reliability while maintaining ease of operation
2Reliability
If a light barrier device is added to detect obstacles before hatch closure, then the reliability of preventing collision is improved, but the device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The light barrier device serves multiple functions: it detects obstacles in the hatch path, provides safety feedback to the controller, and can potentially monitor other vehicle areas. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering substantial reliability improvements across multiple operational contexts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical jamming protection systems with an optical detection system. The light barrier uses optical fields instead of mechanical sensors, simplifying the overall system architecture while enhancing reliability through non-contact obstacle detection
3Measurement precision
If the light-emitting actuator is triggered to emit timed or modulated light, then the measurement precision of obstacle detection is improved, but the use of energy is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The light-emitting actuator emits timed or modulated light signals rather than continuous illumination. This periodic action allows the system to achieve precise obstacle detection through pulse timing and modulation recognition while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temporal parameters of light emission (timing and modulation characteristics) to encode obstacle detection information. By varying light intensity and timing patterns rather than maintaining constant high-power emission, the system achieves high measurement precision with reduced energy usage
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
Effectively prevents collisions by ensuring the hatch only closes when no obstacles are present, reducing the risk of accidental triggering and enhancing safety during automatic closure.
Implementation Method 1
The light-emitting actuator is preferably triggered by the controller for emitting a timed or modulated light so that an obstacle is not erroneously detected as a result of mere sun radiation.
Data Source
AI summary
An operating system and method for a vehicle having an automatically closing hatch, includes an operating switch, a programmable electronic controller, and a device for monitoring the hatch opening when the hatch is open. The operating switch generates an operating request signal for closing the hatch when the switch is actuated, the signal being an input signal to the controller. The monitoring device is a light barrier device having at least one light-emitting actuator and at least one light-detecting sensor arranged at the edge region of the hatch opening and also connected to the controller by electrical cables. The controller is programmed such that, when the operating request signal is present and the hatch is open, the controller outputs a pivot command to a closing system for closing the hatch only if the presence of an obstacle is not detected by the monitoring device for the hatch opening.