Motorized Vehicle Closure Assembly with Dual-Antenna UWB Gesture Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting operator gestures in motorized vehicle closure elements suffer from false alarms and require significant integration effort to incorporate radar-based detection into vehicle access functionalities like Phone as a Key (Paak).
Innovation Solution
Utilizing ultra-wideband (UWB) modules with dual antennas, one with omnidirectional and one with directional characteristics, for precise localization and gesture recognition, minimizing additional construction effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radar-based detection is used for gesture recognition, then detection accuracy is improved, but integration effort and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The UWB module is designed to perform multiple functions: localization using the first antenna and gesture recognition using the second antenna. This multi-functional approach allows radar-based gesture detection to be integrated into existing vehicle access systems without requiring separate dedicated radar hardware, thereby improving detection accuracy while limiting the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The UWB module is segmented into two distinct antennas with different directional characteristics: a first antenna for localization and a second antenna for gesture recognition. This segmentation allows each antenna to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall system performance while maintaining modular integration
2Measurement precision
If UWB modules with dual antennas are used, then gesture detection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single UWB module houses both the first and second antennas, making the module itself a universal component that performs both localization and gesture recognition. This approach improves detection accuracy while minimizing manufacturing complexity by avoiding the need to assemble separate antenna systems
Solution Approach 2:
The first antenna and second antenna are combined within a single UWB module housing, with both antennas being jointly controlled by the module's controller. This merging of components simplifies the manufacturing process compared to using separate independent antenna systems
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
Enhances detection accuracy of operator gestures while integrating seamlessly into vehicle access systems with reduced complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the module controllers operate a respective first antenna (7) of the UWB module (4) with a first directional characteristic for sending and receiving UWB signals
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a motorized closure element assembly of a vehicle having a closure element, using a sensor system having a plurality of UWB modules that have a module controller, wherein the UWB modules are to carry out a localization of an operator approaching the motor vehicle, wherein the module controllers operate a first antenna of the UWB module with a first directional characteristic, wherein, on detection of a predefined switching event related to the operator, a gesture recognition is performed by the UWB modules, wherein the module controllers operate a second antenna of the UWB module with a second directional characteristic having a main direction for sending and receiving UWB radar signals, wherein the presence of a predefined operator gesture in the region of interest is monitored using the UWB radar signals and, upon a valid operator gesture, activation of the motorized closure element assembly is initiated.