Movable High-Frequency Antenna for Simultaneous Approach and Pressure Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Incorporating both high-frequency communication and inductive pressing detection sensors into a motor vehicle component, such as a door handle, is challenging due to spatial constraints and interference issues, making it difficult to activate vehicle functions using a portable access device like a cell phone or electronic badge.
Innovation Solution
An activation module with a movable high-frequency communication antenna that performs both approach detection and deformation detection by measuring voltage variations across its terminals, eliminating the need for separate inductive or capacitive sensors, and utilizing a ferrite layer to enhance signal strength and reduce magnetic losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate inductive sensor and high-frequency communication antenna are incorporated into the same component, then both approach detection and pressing detection functions are achieved, but the device complexity increases and spatial constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the high-frequency communication antenna and the inductive sensor into a single integrated structure. The antenna serves dual purposes: as a communication element and as the inductive sensing coil for detecting component deformation. This merging eliminates the need for separate sensors and reduces spatial requirements while maintaining both detection functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The high-frequency communication antenna is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a communication transceiver and an inductive sensing coil. By making the antenna multi-functional, the patent reduces the overall component count and simplifies the module structure while achieving both approach detection and pressing detection capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate inductive sensor and high-frequency communication antenna are positioned side by side, then both functions are achieved, but the area occupied increases beyond available space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the inductive sensor coil with the high-frequency communication antenna into a single physical structure. This combination allows both functions to coexist within the same spatial footprint, eliminating the need for separate areas for each component and solving the space constraint problem.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the coil of the inductive sensor and the communication antenna are located opposite each other, then both functions are achieved, but mutual interference occurs between the two devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the inductive sensor and communication antenna into a single integrated structure, eliminating the spatial separation that causes interference. By making them co-located rather than opposite, the patent resolves the interference issue while maintaining both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a ferrite layer as an intermediary element between the integrated coil structures. This ferrite shielding layer acts as a mediator that directs magnetic flux and reduces mutual interference between the communication antenna and inductive sensor functions, allowing both to operate simultaneously without significant interference.
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
This solution simplifies the activation module by combining approach and deformation detection functions, allowing for reliable activation of vehicle functions without additional sensors, even when communication is deficient, and adapts to various scenarios using either cell phones or electronic badges.
Implementation Method 1
at least one communication antenna transmitting a magnetic field at a high frequency selected between 3 and 30 MHz for a detection of the portable access device and a communication with the access device
Implementation Method 2
the act of a part of the user's body pressing the component moves said at least one communication antenna in the component, creating a second voltage variation across the terminals of said at least one communication antenna
Implementation Method 3
utilizing a ferrite layer to enhance signal strength and reduce magnetic losses
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an activation module for a function in a motor vehicle accommodated in a component, the module including a detection and communication device including at least one communication antenna transmitting at a high frequency and a device for detecting a deformation of the component, the communication antenna being connected to a printed circuit board including a unit for measuring voltage variation across the terminals of the communication antenna, a unit for interpreting the measuring unit and transmission and reception unit with an electronic control unit having a unit for activating the function. The communication antenna is movable relative to the printed circuit board under the action of the deformation of the component, the measuring unit then detecting a voltage variation across the terminals of the communication antenna.