Infrared Foreign Object Detection for Vehicle Liftgate Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated compartment closure assemblies in vehicles often suffer from damage due to unexpected foreign objects obstructing their path, as existing protection mechanisms may activate too late or with insufficient caution, leading to minor damage and reduced customer confidence.
Innovation Solution
A foreign object detection system using infrared sensing to detect obstructions and control the closure assembly's movement, slowing or stopping it when an object is detected within a predetermined proximity, thereby preventing contact and enhancing safety and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an anti-pinch switch is used to detect foreign objects, then damage to the vehicle and object is prevented, but the contact required to activate the mechanism still causes minor damage to the closure assembly or object
Solution Approach 1:
The infrared sensor performs preliminary detection of foreign objects in the closure path before the closure assembly makes contact. The system detects objects at a distance and activates the protection mechanism in advance, preventing the need for physical contact to trigger protection.
Solution Approach 2:
An infrared sensor acts as an intermediary detection device between the closure assembly and foreign objects. The sensor detects the presence of objects without requiring physical contact, serving as a mediator that provides early warning before the closure assembly reaches the object.
2Reliability
If a proximity sensor is used to detect obstructing objects, then the automated driving system is disabled as a security measure, but the system may not provide sufficient reaction time to prevent contact
Solution Approach 1:
The infrared sensor is positioned to detect objects at a predetermined distance from the closure assembly, providing advance warning before the closure reaches the object. This preliminary detection enables the system to slow down or reverse before contact would occur, rather than waiting for last-moment detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts the closure assembly's operation based on detected object distance. When an object is detected within the predetermined distance, the system automatically slows down or reverses the closure movement, providing adaptive response based on real-time conditions.
3Productivity
If the closure assembly operates at normal speed, then productivity is maintained, but the likelihood of damage upon unexpected contact with foreign objects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure assembly operates at normal speed under normal conditions to maintain productivity. When the infrared sensor detects a foreign object within the predetermined distance, the system dynamically adjusts by slowing down or reversing the closure movement, providing speed modulation based on detected conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting foreign objects in advance and automatically slowing or reversing the closure assembly before contact occurs. This preventive action counteracts the potential harmful effect of high-speed contact while maintaining normal operating speed for productive 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
The system effectively reduces false-positive reversals, minimizes warranty claims, and improves customer confidence by providing advanced protection against foreign object damage, with enhanced reaction times and reduced dynamics of the liftgate operation.
Implementation Method 1
Aspects of this disclosure relate to foreign object detection systems and control algorithms for automated vehicle closure assemblies... there is presented a novel infrared (IR) sensing based architecture
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are object detection systems for automated compartment closure assemblies, methods for operating such systems, and motor vehicles with a power liftgate assembly and foreign object detection capabilities. A method is disclosed for detecting objects obstructing the path of an automated closure assembly. The method includes receiving a command signal to move the closure assembly to an open or closed position, and receiving gesture-sensitive sensor signals with a location and velocity of an object within a supervision field. Responsive to the object being inside a protected zone within the supervision field or the object's velocity being towards the protected zone, commanding an automated driving mechanism to: slow the closure assembly's speed; if the object is still located inside the protected zone after a calibrated period of time, stop the closure assembly; and if the object moves outside the protected zone, increase the closure assembly speed to a default speed.