Proximity Sensor Door Latch Release Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing door latch systems in vehicles require manual actuation, which can be inconvenient and may lead to accidental door opening when the vehicle is in motion, lacking a secure mechanism to differentiate between adult and child grips.

Innovation Solution

A proximity sensor-based door latch system using capacitive sensors on both sides of the door handle to detect an adult's hand grip and prevent accidental unlatching when the vehicle is moving, incorporating control circuitry to activate the latch only when a valid grip is detected and the vehicle is stationary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual actuation mechanism is used for door latch release, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to accidental door opening when vehicle is in motion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor opening operationVSAvoiddoor latch security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the purely mechanical manual actuation system with an automated proximity sensor-based detection system. Capacitive sensors detect the presence and characteristics of a user's hand on the door handle, automatically triggering the latch release mechanism without requiring manual lever actuation, thereby preventing accidental openings while maintaining ease of use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback through proximity sensors that continuously monitor the door handle area. The sensors detect hand presence, grip characteristics, and distinguish between intentional and accidental contact, providing real-time feedback to the control system to determine whether to activate the latch release, thus improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If proximity sensors are added to detect hand grip, then reliability is improved by preventing accidental opening, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor latch securityVSAvoidsensor and control circuitry

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses capacitive sensors as intermediaries between the user's hand and the latch release mechanism. These sensors detect changes in electrical capacitance caused by the proximity and characteristics of a human hand, translating physical grip into an electrical signal that triggers the latch release, thereby adding reliability without requiring complex mechanical modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system monitors changes in electrical parameters (capacitance) of the door handle area to detect hand presence and grip characteristics. By detecting parameter changes in the electrical field around the handle rather than using complex mechanical switches, the system achieves reliable detection with relatively simple sensor implementation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If automated latch release is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but object-generated harmful factors increase due to potential accidental activation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor opening operationVSAvoidaccidental door opening

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection and verification actions before activating the latch release. The proximity sensors first detect hand presence, then analyze grip characteristics and duration, and only after confirming a valid intentional grip does the system trigger the latch release, preventing accidental activation while maintaining ease of operation for legitimate users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary anti-action by detecting conditions that would prevent accidental activation. The system monitors for specific grip patterns, duration, and pressure characteristics that distinguish intentional door opening from accidental contact, actively preventing harmful accidental openings before they can occur while allowing legitimate user actions to proceed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

Enables secure and convenient door opening without manual lever actuation, preventing accidental openings during vehicle motion and ensuring the system only unlocks the door when an adult's hand is detected, thereby enhancing safety and user experience.

Implementation Method 1

first capacitive sensors on a first side of a door handle, a second capacitive sensor on a second side of the door handle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS9447613B2Proximity switch based door latch release

Publication Date: 2016.09.20 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A vehicle door latch assembly includes a first proximity sensor on a first side of a door handle and a second proximity sensor on a second side of the door handle. The assembly also includes a latch operative to latch the door closed and to unlatch the door to allow the door to open. The assembly further includes control circuitry for activating the latch to unlatch the door based on an object such as an operator's hand sensed with both the first and second proximity sensors.