Powered Vehicle Door Access Prioritization Between Adjacent Cars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle door control systems do not effectively prioritize door access based on user location and proximity, leading to potential interference between adjacent vehicles' doors when multiple users are approaching.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes sensors and a controller in each vehicle to determine the distance and approach speed of users, communicating with other vehicles to prioritize door access and prevent interference by controlling powered doors based on user proximity and speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If powered doors are equipped with basic open/close control, then door operation is simple and reliable, but door interference occurs when multiple users approach adjacent vehicles simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of user proximity and approach speed before door activation. Sensors continuously monitor the environment and predict which user will reach their vehicle first, allowing the system to preemptively grant door access permission to the priority user and prevent interference before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes bidirectional communication between adjacent vehicles through transceivers. Each vehicle receives feedback about other vehicles' user proximity and door status, then adjusts its door control decisions based on this feedback to coordinate door operations and avoid interference.
2Productivity
If door control prioritizes nearest user access, then user access efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases due to multiple sensors and communication requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs multiple functions: it manages door actuation, processes sensor data for proximity detection, calculates approach speeds, makes prioritization decisions, and communicates with adjacent vehicles. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate complex subsystems into a single integrated control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines proximity sensing, speed calculation, prioritization logic, and vehicle-to-vehicle communication into a unified door control system. By merging these functions, the patent reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate dedicated systems for each function.
3Reliability
If the system monitors user distance and speed continuously, then door access safety is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring, the system uses periodic sensor measurements to detect user proximity and calculate approach speed. The controller updates its assessment at discrete intervals, which reduces energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring while still maintaining safety by detecting changes in user position and velocity.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle having powered door access is provided including a powered door having an actuator for moving the door between closed and open positions, at least one sensor for sensing a first user approaching the vehicle, and a transceiver for communicating with another vehicle. The vehicle also includes a controller determining a distance of the first user from the vehicle and communicating with the other vehicle which determines a second user from the other vehicle, wherein the controller prioritizes which of the vehicle and the other vehicle is granted permission to open a door based on the distances of the first user and the second user.