Magnetic Obstruction Detection for Vehicle Door Assist Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle door systems lack efficient obstruction detection and automatic control mechanisms, leading to potential collisions and inconvenience in operation.
Innovation Solution
A door assist system incorporating an actuator, an interference sensor, and a controller that generates an electromagnetic field to detect obstructions and adjust the door's position to prevent collisions, utilizing an array of magnetic sensors and a processor to control the actuator based on detected obstructions and angular position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional vehicle door systems are used without obstruction detection, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability is poor due to potential collisions with obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The interference sensor performs preliminary detection of obstructions in the door's path before the door closes. The controller receives detection signals and determines obstruction presence in advance, allowing the system to prevent collisions by controlling the actuator before contact occurs, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex real-time response mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The interference sensor acts as an intermediary detection device that senses obstructions through electromagnetic field changes rather than direct physical contact. This mediator approach allows the system to detect potential collisions without requiring complex mechanical sensors, balancing reliability improvement with acceptable device complexity
2Productivity
If manual door operation is used, then the ease of operation is simple, but the productivity is reduced due to user effort and time required for door operation
Solution Approach 1:
The door assist system enables the door to service itself by automatically detecting obstructions and controlling its own movement through the actuator. The controller autonomously determines obstruction presence and adjusts door operation accordingly, eliminating the need for user intervention while maintaining simple operation interface, thereby improving productivity without compromising ease of use
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical door operation with an actuator-controlled mechanism. The actuator, controlled by the controller based on sensor input, substitutes for direct user mechanical effort, improving door operation efficiency while maintaining ease of operation through automatic control
3Measurement precision
If electromagnetic field detection is implemented, then the measurement precision of obstruction detection is improved, but the use of energy increases due to sensor and actuator operation
Solution Approach 1:
The interference sensor operates by generating electromagnetic fields at specific intervals during door operation rather than continuously. The controller activates the sensor and actuator based on detected obstruction presence, creating periodic action cycles that maintain detection precision while reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous 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
The system effectively prevents door collisions with obstructions and enhances vehicle operation by automatically adjusting the door's position, improving safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The interference sensor is configured to generate an electromagnetic field in an interference zone between the door and a body of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
Based on changes or fluctuations in the electromagnetic field, the interference sensor is configured to scan the interference zone for an obstruction
Implementation Method 3
The sensor comprises an induction coil configured to generate a magnetic field between the door and a body of the vehicle
Implementation Method 4
An array of magnetic sensors is disposed along a door opening of the vehicle. Each of the magnetic sensors of the array is configured to detect an obstruction in a sensory region
Data Source
AI summary
A door assist system for a vehicle comprises an actuator configured to control a position of a door about a hinge assembly and an interference sensor. The interference sensor is configured to generate an electromagnetic field in an interference zone between the door and a body of the vehicle. Based on changes or fluctuations in the electromagnetic field, the interference sensor is configured to detect an obstruction in the electromagnetic field and generate a detection signal. The system further comprises a controller configured to control the actuator in response to the detection signal.