Magnetic Vehicle Actuator Assembly for Compact Reliable Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing actuator assemblies for vehicle functions, such as door handles, are bulky and require multiple parts, including cables and pushbuttons, leading to complex actuation and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
An actuator assembly with a movable actuating surface containing a magnetic component that interacts with a sensor unit, allowing for simplified actuation by detecting changes in a magnetic field, thereby eliminating the need for additional cables and reducing the number of parts, and enabling a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional microswitch arrangements and pushbuttons are used, then reliable actuation is achieved, but device complexity and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the actuating surface, magnetic component, and sensor unit into a single integrated actuator assembly. The actuating surface with magnetic component forms one element, while the sensor unit is integrated into the same assembly, eliminating the need for separate microswitches and pushbuttons. This merging maintains reliable actuation detection while significantly reducing the number of discrete parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical microswitch arrangements with a magnetic field-based detection system. Instead of using mechanical contacts and switches, the invention uses a magnetic component that moves with the actuating surface and a sensor unit that detects changes in the magnetic field. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and complexity while maintaining reliable actuation detection.
2Ease of operation
If additional cables and conventional components are used, then actuation function is achieved, but installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single compact actuator assembly. The actuating surface, magnetic component, and sensor unit are combined in one assembly that requires minimal installation space. The magnetic component is positioned on or in the actuating surface, and the sensor unit is integrated into the same assembly, eliminating the need for separate cable connections and additional mounting space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces cable-based mechanical actuation systems with a magnetic field-based system. Instead of using cables to transmit mechanical force or position information, the invention uses a magnetic component that moves with the actuating surface and a sensor unit that wirelessly detects its position through magnetic field changes. This substitution dramatically reduces installation space by eliminating cable routing requirements.
3Measurement precision
If conventional microswitch arrangements are used, then actuation detection is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical microswitch arrangements with a magnetic field-based detection system. The magnetic component can be a simple permanent magnet or ferromagnetic element, and the sensor unit uses non-contact magnetic field sensing. This substitution reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating precision mechanical switch assemblies while maintaining or improving actuation detection precision through magnetic field measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic component serves multiple functions: it is part of the actuating surface structure, provides the magnetic field for detection, and indicates the actuation state through its position. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate detection mechanisms, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining precise actuation detection.
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 assembly achieves simplified and intuitive actuation of vehicle functions, reduces installation space, and lowers costs by eliminating conventional microswitch arrangements and pushbuttons, while being resistant to environmental wear.
Implementation Method 1
an actuation, and in particular a movement, of the actuating surface causes a change in a magnetic field that is detectable by the sensor unit
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator assembly for a vehicle may have at least one detection unit and an actuating surface, movable relative to the detection unit, for actuating at least one vehicle function. The movable actuating surface may have a magnetic component, and the detection unit may have at least one sensor unit. The sensor unit and the magnetic component are oriented relative to one another such that an actuation movement of the actuating surface causes a change in a magnetic field detectable by the sensor unit.