Vehicle Door and Hatch Opening by Key Fob Proximity and User Taps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keyless entry systems require manual operation of vehicle doors or hatches, which can be cumbersome when a driver's hands are full.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system with an electronic control unit that detects a key fob proximity and responds to predetermined user actions on vehicle components, such as tapping or pressing, to automatically unlock or open doors or hatches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual door handle operation is used, then the door can be opened reliably, but the ease of operation deteriorates when hands are full
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical door handle operation with an automated system using sensors to detect user approach and intent, electronic control units to process signals, and actuators to automatically unlock and open doors. This substitution eliminates the need for manual handle operation while maintaining reliable door opening functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the door automatically opens in response to detected user presence and predetermined actions (such as knocking on the window or pressing the hood), without requiring direct manual manipulation of the door handle. The vehicle system serves itself by autonomously responding to user intent.
2Ease of operation
If automated sensor-based door opening is implemented, then the ease of operation improves for hands-free operation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multi-functional sensors that can detect various user actions (knocking on window, pressing hood, approaching vehicle) and triggers, where a single sensor system serves multiple detection purposes. The electronic control unit processes multiple input signals and coordinates multiple output actions, achieving universal control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control unit acts as an intermediary that receives signals from multiple sensor sources (key fob, motion sensors, pressure sensors), processes them according to predetermined logic, and coordinates the actuator responses. This intermediary component simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing control logic.
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
Enables hands-free operation of vehicle doors and hatches using key fob proximity and sensor-actuator interactions, enhancing convenience for drivers with full hands.
Implementation Method 1
The electronic control unit may receive a signal from a key fob, and determine whether the key fob is within a predetermined distance from the vehicle based on the received signal
Implementation Method 2
sensors may detect actions performed by a driver with respect to certain vehicle components of the vehicle. For example, sensors may detect movement of a vehicle component, pressure applied to a vehicle component, or sound caused by contact to a vehicle component
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle system for a vehicle is provided. The vehicle system includes an electronic control unit configured to receive a signal from a key fob, and determine whether the key fob is within a predetermined distance from the vehicle based on the received signal. Upon determination that the key fob is within the predetermined distance from the vehicle, the electronic control unit determines whether a predetermined action has been performed by a user based on an output from one or more vehicle sensors. Upon determination that the predetermined action has been performed, the electronic control unit causes a component of the vehicle to at least one of unlock and open.