Integrated Antenna and Sensor Plate in Vehicle Door Handle
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing manufacturing process for door handle devices with integrated antennas is labor-intensive and costly due to the need for separate molding of antennas and detection electrodes, increasing labor and material costs.
Innovation Solution
An antenna unit is created by integrating a detection electrode with an antenna fixing part, a circuit board, and additional electrodes within a molded resin, eliminating the need for separate molding and reducing the number of parts required, thus enhancing assembly efficiency and lowering costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the antenna and detection electrode are molded separately in a door handle device, then the antenna can be protected and assembly workability can be enhanced, but the manufacturing cost increases due to laborious manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the antenna and detection electrode into a single integrated component that is molded together with the door handle device. This merging eliminates the need for separate molding processes and assembly steps, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining protection and workability benefits
2Manufacturing precision
If the antenna and detection electrode are set separately in a mold every time they are molded, then the antenna can be positioned accurately, but the manufacturing cost increases due to laborious manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna and detection electrode are integrated into a single molded component, eliminating the need for separate molding operations. This combination maintains positioning precision through integrated design while significantly improving manufacturing efficiency by reducing the number of molding cycles and assembly operations required
3Reliability
If additional members such as positioning plates are used to fix the antenna, then the antenna can be positioned and fixed securely, but the number of parts increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna fixing structure is integrated directly into the door handle device body through molding, eliminating the need for separate positioning plates or additional fixing members. This integration maintains secure antenna fixation while reducing the total number of parts and simplifying the overall device structure
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
This integration enhances assembly efficiency, reduces manufacturing costs, and ensures electrical insulation while protecting components, leading to a cost-effective door handle device with improved workability.
Implementation Method 1
a first detection electrode of a capacitive sensor configured to detect a driver's approaching or touching the door handle
Implementation Method 2
an antenna for wireless communications
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna unit incorporated into a door handle of a vehicle includes: an unlock sensor plate (first detection electrode) of a capacitive sensor configured to detect a driver's approaching or touching the door handle; and an antenna for wireless communications. The unlock sensor plate has an antenna fixing part for positioning and fixing the antenna. The antenna fixed on the antenna fixing part and the unlock sensor plate are molded into a unit with a molded resin. The unlock sensor plate has a circuit board fixing part for positioning and fixing a circuit board including a detection circuit of the capacitive sensor mounted thereon. An electrode fixing part for positioning and fixing a lock sensor plate (a second detection electrode) of the capacitive sensor is provided on an opposite surface of the circuit board from a surface on which the unlock sensor plate is arranged.