Hands-Free Liftgate Activation With Sensor Noise Discrimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hands-free vehicle liftgate systems often experience unintended activation due to environmental noise detected by proximity sensors, leading to incorrect interpretation of user intentions.
Innovation Solution
The system analyzes sensor signals to differentiate between intentional and unintended activation by establishing a baseline noise level and using timers or communication between modules to disregard peaks in signal amplitude that exceed a threshold, ensuring accurate liftgate operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If proximity sensors are used to detect user intent for hands-free liftgate operation, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to unintended activation from environmental noise
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing a baseline noise level before operation and implementing signal filtering mechanisms in advance. The microcontroller continuously monitors sensor signals against predetermined thresholds and patterns, preparing the system to distinguish between intentional activation and environmental noise before actual liftgate operation occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the microcontroller continuously analyzes sensor signals and adjusts its response based on detected patterns. When environmental noise is detected that matches predetermined patterns, the system provides feedback to disregard those signals, thereby preventing unintended activation while maintaining hands-free operation capability.
2Reliability
If signal processing is performed to distinguish intentional activation from noise, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing signal processing specifically within the liftgate module or microcontroller rather than throughout the entire vehicle system. The processing is localized to analyze only the relevant sensor signals associated with liftgate activation, applying filtering and pattern recognition only where needed to distinguish intentional activation from environmental noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes parameter changes by establishing predetermined thresholds and patterns for signal analysis. The microcontroller monitors sensor signals against these predetermined parameters, adjusting its activation decisions based on whether detected signals exceed the thresholds or match the patterns, thereby simplifying the complexity through parameter-based decision making.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes systems and methods for hands-free liftgate activation. An example method may include receiving a liftgate activation signal. The example method may also include receiving first data from a sensor of a vehicle at a first time and second data from the sensor at a second time. The example method may also include determining that a first difference between a second value associated with the second data and a first value associated with the first data is greater than a first threshold amount. The example method may also include disabling, based on the determination that the first difference is greater than the first threshold amount, activation of a liftgate of the vehicle. The example method may also include receiving third data from the sensor. The example method may also include determining that a second difference between a third value associated with the third data and the first value is less than a second threshold amount. The example method may also include enabling, based on the determination that the second difference is less than the second threshold amount or a determination that a first timer has elapsed, activation of the liftgate.