Non-Contact Obstacle Detection for Vehicle Door Wind Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing obstacle detection systems for motor vehicle closure members, such as doors and lift gates, fail to prevent collisions with nearby objects and do not adequately account for wind-induced movement, leading to potential damage and increased wear on components.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact obstacle detection system that includes a main electronic control unit connected to sensors like TOF, ultrasonic, and radar systems, which detect obstacles and movement, altering the closure member's motion to prevent collisions and account for wind-induced movement without the need for additional wind sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If powered actuation systems are used to automatically open and close closure members, then convenience and productivity are improved, but the risk of collision with obstacles and damage to components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The obstacle detection system performs preliminary scanning of the door's movement path before the powered actuation system initiates closing. If an obstacle is detected in the path, the system prevents the door from closing, avoiding collision damage while maintaining automated operation benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the door's movement path using sensors and provides real-time feedback to the control unit. During powered closing operation, if an obstacle is detected, the system immediately sends a stop signal to the actuator, preventing collision while allowing normal automated operation to proceed.
2Measurement precision
If wind vanes or anemometers are added to detect wind, then wind-induced movement detection is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing obstacle detection sensors are made multi-functional by programming them to distinguish between obstacles and wind-induced door movement based on movement patterns and sensor data analysis. This eliminates the need for separate wind detection hardware while maintaining the ability to detect both obstacles and wind effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The obstacle detection system serves itself by using its existing sensors and processing capabilities to also detect wind conditions. The control unit analyzes the sensor data to determine if door movement is caused by wind rather than obstacles, eliminating the need for additional dedicated wind detection components.
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
Effectively prevents closure members from colliding with obstacles and reduces wear by accurately detecting and responding to obstacles and wind-induced movement, enhancing safety and system longevity.
Implementation Method 1
sensors like TOF, ultrasonic, and radar systems, which detect obstacles and movement
Implementation Method 2
sensors like TOF, ultrasonic, and radar systems, which detect obstacles and movement
Implementation Method 3
sensors like TOF, ultrasonic, and radar systems, which detect obstacles and movement
Data Source
AI summary
A non-contact obstacle detection (NCOD) system for a motor vehicle and a method of operating the non-contact obstacle detection system are disclosed. The NCOD system includes a main electronic control unit adapted to connect to a power source. At least one non-contact obstacle sensor is coupled to the main electronic control unit for detecting obstacles near a closure member of the vehicle. The control unit is configured to detect movement of the closure member, detect no obstacle using the at least one non-contact obstacle sensor, and alter movement of the closure member in response to no obstacle being detected while movement of the closure member is detected.