Vehicle Door Control via Inductive Coupling for Hands-Free Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote keyless entry systems face challenges such as battery drain due to increased functionality, lack of intuitive gesture recognition for opening vehicle doors, and difficulties for disabled or elderly users, especially in adverse weather conditions, and require users to manually access key fobs while carrying objects.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing inductive coupling for communication between a mobile device on the vehicle and a hand-held device, allowing for wireless command signals to control vehicle doors, with the hand-held device capable of being passive, active, or semi-passive, and including a user interface for intuitive operation, such as a key fob, to enable remote door control without the need for physical interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If remote keyless entry systems include multiple functions (door locking/unlocking, trunk release, window control, alarm), then functionality and versatility are improved, but battery drain increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic wireless communication between the key fob and vehicle to activate functions only when needed, rather than continuous operation. The remote control transmits signals periodically when buttons are pressed or gestures are detected, allowing multiple functions to be available without continuous battery drain.
2Ease of operation
If users must manually access and press buttons on key fobs, then precise control is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates when users carry objects or have disabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces gesture sensors as an intermediary between the user and the key fob functions. These sensors detect hand movements and body gestures in the vicinity of the vehicle, translating physical gestures into control commands without requiring the user to physically handle the key fob.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing system with a gesture-based detection system. Instead of requiring physical contact with buttons, the system uses optical or electromagnetic sensors to detect and interpret hand movements and body gestures, converting mechanical gestures into electronic control signals.
3Ease of operation
If the communication range for door control is extended, then convenience is improved, but security against signal interception deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements bidirectional communication with feedback mechanisms where the vehicle responds to key fob signals and vice versa. This allows for challenge-response authentication protocols where the vehicle can verify the authenticity of control requests even at extended ranges, maintaining security while allowing convenient operation.
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
Enhances battery life by reducing the need for frequent button presses, provides intuitive and accessible door operation, and allows for hands-free control of vehicle doors, improving usability for all users, including those with disabilities and in adverse conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A mobile communication device supported on the vehicle for movement therewith and operative to produce an excitation signal in the form of a first, short-range, electromagnetic field within a first range of the mobile device
Implementation Method 2
a hand-held communication device operative to produce a response signal in the form of a second, short-range, electromagnetic field when the hand-held device is located within the first range
Implementation Method 3
The devices wirelessly communicate via inductive coupling
Data Source
AI summary
A system for remotely controlling the position of a land vehicle door includes a mobile communication device operative to produce an excitation signal in the form of a first, short-range, electromagnetic field within a first range of the mobile device and a hand-held communication device, such as a key fob, operative to produce an excitation signal in the form of a second, short-range, electromagnetic field when the hand-held device is located within the first range. Control logic is coupled to the devices. The control logic is operative to detect when a pedestrian carrying an authorized hand-held device is located within the first range and to generate a door-opening command signal when the authorized device is located within the first range.