Vehicle Door Pinch Sensor Protection via Segmented Garnish and Seal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pressure-activated sensors for vehicle doors are prone to damage during occupant ingress and egress due to their location, which compromises their effectiveness and durability.

Innovation Solution

A pressure-activated sensor assembly with a flexible component made of elastomeric sponge material, a protective member formed of solid elastomeric material for improved wear durability, and a garnish member laterally offset from the flexible component to reduce exposure and enhance protection, along with a separate seal member for sealing engagement between the door and frame.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the pinch sensor is mounted directly to the bracket or door hem, then the sensor can detect obstructions effectively, but the sensor is exposed to damage during occupant ingress and egress

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobstruction detection effectivenessVSAvoidsensor damage during occupant interaction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a seal member as an intermediary protective element positioned between the occupant and the pinch sensor. The seal member extends from the garnish member toward the door projection, creating a physical barrier that shields the sensor assembly from direct contact with occupants during ingress and egress, while still allowing the sensor to detect obstructions when the door closes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the pinch sensor is positioned at the leading edge of the door, then obstruction detection is maximized, but the sensor becomes vulnerable to impact damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobstruction detection precisionVSAvoidsensor resistance to impact damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the door edge into functional zones: the garnish member and seal member form a protective outer layer, while the sensor assembly is positioned recessed behind these protective elements. This segmentation allows the leading garnish/seal portion to absorb impacts while the sensor remains protected in a recessed position, maintaining detection capability without direct exposure to impact forces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of manufacture

If the seal member is integrally formed with the pinch sensor, then manufacturing is simplified, but the sensor remains exposed to damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal and sensor integrationVSAvoidsensor exposure to occupant contact

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the seal member from the pinch sensor assembly into distinct components. The seal member is attached to the garnish member and positioned to overlap and protect the sensor assembly, which is mounted separately to the door projection or bracket. This segmentation allows the seal to extend further outward providing protection, while the sensor remains recessed and shielded, and both components can be manufactured and assembled independently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 enhances the durability and protection of the sensor assembly, reducing the likelihood of damage during occupant interaction and maintaining effective obstruction detection, thereby ensuring safer and more reliable door operation.

Implementation Method 1

The switch component actuates upon pressure contact with an associated obstructing object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure activation: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

The flexible component is formed of an elastomeric sponge material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

The protective member is formed of a solid elastomeric material to improve wear durability of the flexible component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWear resistance: Wear

Implementation Method 4

The seal member forms a sealing engagement between the door and the frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentUS8752332B2Vehicle slide door pinch sensor assembly

Publication Date: 2014.06.17 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A vehicle assembly comprises a motorized door movable between an open position and a closed position and a pressure-activated sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes a switch component, a flexible component and an engagement component. The switch component actuates upon pressure contact with an associated obstructing object. The flexible component substantially surrounds the switch component. The engagement component is connected with the door and extends from the flexible component towards the door. An exterior garnish member is connected to the door and laterally offset from the flexible component. The garnish member is configured to at least partially inhibit contact of the flexible component by an occupant during occupant ingress and egress of the vehicle.