Automatic Trunk Opening via LF Antenna and Sensor Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle trunk opening methods using fob keys require manual operation, which is inconvenient for users carrying heavy or bulky loads, as they need to put down their load and manually manipulate the fob key to open the trunk, thereby not fully utilizing wireless communication capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilize a sensor module near the trunk and a bumper LF antenna to automatically open the trunk when movement is sensed, determining the proximity of the fob key through wireless communication and only opening the trunk when the user approaches with the key.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual manipulation of fob key is required to open trunk, then security control is maintained, but user convenience deteriorates when carrying heavy loads
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the fob key's presence and position before the user needs to open the trunk. The LF antenna continuously checks for the fob key, and the sensor detects user approach in advance, so that when the user reaches the trunk, the opening operation is already prepared or automatically executed, eliminating the need for manual key manipulation at the moment of need.
Solution Approach 2:
The trunk opening system serves itself by automatically detecting the user's intent through the sensor and the fob key's position. Instead of requiring the user to actively command the trunk opening, the system autonomously determines when opening is desired based on the combination of sensor detection (user approach) and LF communication (fob key presence), and executes the opening automatically.
2Measurement precision
If LF signal transmission continues at certain intervals, then fob key detection accuracy is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LF antenna transmits signals at periodic intervals rather than continuously, which reduces energy consumption while maintaining detection capability. The system balances the transmission interval to ensure the fob key can be detected when needed while minimizing the duty cycle to reduce dark current consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the sensor detection to trigger or adjust LF signal transmission. When the sensor detects user approach, the system can increase LF transmission frequency or activate continuous transmission only in the vicinity of the trunk, thereby maintaining detection accuracy near the trunk while reducing overall energy consumption in other areas.
3Ease of operation
If automatic trunk opening is enabled without fob key verification, then user convenience is improved, but security and unauthorized access risk worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces the LF antenna and sensor as intermediary verification mechanisms between the user and the trunk opening action. The LF antenna verifies the presence of the authenticated fob key, and the sensor verifies the user's physical approach to the trunk. Only when both intermediaries confirm their respective conditions is the trunk opening activated, providing layered verification that maintains security while enabling automatic 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
Enables convenient automatic trunk opening without manual intervention, reducing the need for two-step operations and minimizing unnecessary trunk openings by ensuring the user is approaching with the fob key.
Implementation Method 1
a bumper LF antenna disposed in a rear of the vehicle, and transmitting an LF signal at certain intervals
Implementation Method 2
an RF antenna receiving an RF signal that a fob key for the vehicle transmits in response to reception of the LF signal
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an apparatus and method for controlling automatic opening of a vehicle's trunk through wireless communication between a fob key for the vehicle and a bumper LF antenna disposed in the rear of the vehicle. The apparatus controls the trunk so as to be automatically opened through communication with the bumper LF antenna on the basis of the position of the fob key and the number of receptions of an RF signal, when a fob key holder approaches the trunk for opening the trunk. Alternatively, a sensor module is attached near the trunk (particularly, a lower end center of a rear bumper) and determines whether there is the fob key, thereby allowing the trunk to be automatically opened when a sensing signal is inputted by simple movement.