Optical Handle Unit for Contactless Vehicle Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handle devices for motor vehicles are prone to environmental influences affecting their sensitivity and require multiple sensors to trigger multiple signals, leading to increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A handle device with an optically monitored actuation zone that triggers signals based on predefined movement patterns, allowing for contactless activation of locking and unlocking functions without the need for physical contact, using a combination of light emitters and receivers to detect and verify specific movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a capacitive sensor is used to detect user approach, then the sensor can trigger a signal, but environmental influences strongly affect the electromagnetic field and sensor sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the capacitive sensor (electromagnetic field-based) with an optical actuating element that monitors the actuating zone using light. This substitution eliminates the sensitivity to environmental electromagnetic interference while maintaining the ability to detect user presence and trigger signals reliably.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from electromagnetic field capacitance to optical properties (light reflection, absorption, or transmission). This parameter change makes the sensor immune to electromagnetic environmental influences while preserving detection functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are combined to trigger multiple signals, then additional functions can be activated, but the price and complexity of the handle device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single optical actuating element perform multiple functions by detecting different movement patterns. The same sensor can trigger different signals based on the direction, speed, or pattern of movement detected, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated sensors while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic evaluation of movement patterns (direction, speed, pattern recognition) to enable a single sensor to differentiate between multiple intended actions. This dynamic approach allows one sensor to replace multiple static sensors, reducing complexity while maintaining adaptability.
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 solution provides a simple, space-saving, and aerodynamic design that is resistant to environmental influences, enabling multiple functions to be triggered by distinct movement patterns, enhancing user safety and convenience while reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the actuating element has at least one transmitting element for radiation in the wavelength range of light and at least one receiving element for receiving at least a portion of the radiation emitted by the transmitting element and reflected by the object
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a handle unit (10) to trigger the function of a lock (19) for opening and/or for closing a moving part (42), in particular a door, a tailgate or similar of a motor vehicle (40), with one electronic unit (20, 20') and one actuating element, wherein the electronic unit (20, 20') is used for data communication with a vehicle part, in particular with a security system; the actuating element monitors an actuation zone (60) and a signal is triggered by means of the actuating element by a movement of an object (100) within the actuation zone (60). The invention provides that the actuating element optically monitors the actuation zone (60) so that the detection of a specified motion pattern (30) due to movement of the object (100) will cause a triggering of the signal.