Automated Retractable Step System With Driven Shield Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current retractable steps for vehicles are laborious to install and require configuration based on specific vehicle methodologies, making them time-consuming and inconvenient, especially when actuation is dependent on the door ajar signal.
Innovation Solution
An automated extendable/retractable step system with a linkage subassembly, actuator, and sensor subassembly that allows independent actuation from the door ajar signal, featuring a sensing electrode, reference electrode, and driven shield electrode to facilitate hands-free operation and ease of installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If retractable steps are configured to be actuated based on door ajar signal in vehicle computer, then the steps can be controlled automatically, but the installation becomes laborious and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically identifies and configures the retractable step actuation based on door ajar signals without requiring manual programming or complex configuration procedures during installation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex manual configuration procedures with an automated electronic control system that can identify and configure step actuation independently, eliminating the need for laborious installation processes
2Extent of automation
If retractable steps are configured to be actuated based on door ajar signal, then automatic control is achieved, but the configuration process becomes complex and varies across different vehicle assembly lines
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to be universally compatible with different vehicle assembly lines and methodologies, automatically adapting to various door ajar signal configurations without requiring line-specific programming
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the system to adapt to different vehicle assembly line methodologies, the patent inverts the approach by having the control system independently identify and configure itself, making the installation process independent of external methodologies
3Ease of operation
If a sensor subassembly with sensing electrode is used for hands-free operation, then convenience is improved, but parasitic capacitance between vehicle frame and electrode increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a driven shield electrode as an intermediary element between the sensing electrode and the vehicle frame, which acts as a capacitive barrier to reduce parasitic capacitance while allowing the sensor to function for hands-free operation
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 system enables convenient and efficient deployment/retraction of the step, reducing installation time and allowing hands-free operation, independent of the door ajar signal, while minimizing parasitic capacitance for accurate sensing.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor subassembly and a controller, wherein the controller is configured in electrical communication with an electrical power source, the sensor subassembly, and with the actuator for signaling the actuator to move the step between the stowed position and the deployed position in response to a signal received from the sensor subassembly. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the sensor subassembly of the automated retractable step system can include a sensing electrode and a reference electrode disposed adjacent the sensing electrode.
Implementation Method 2
the sensor subassembly of the automated retractable step system can include a driven shield electrode overlying the sensing electrode and the reference electrode to inhibit parasitic capacitance between a vehicle frame member and the sensing and reference electrodes.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated retractable step system has at least one linkage subassembly for attachment to a vehicle frame. A step is attached to the linkage subassembly and is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. An actuator is coupled with the linkage subassembly for moving the step between the stowed and deployed positions. A sensor subassembly includes a sensing electrode and a reference electrode disposed adjacent to the sensing electrode and a driven shield electrode extending generally parallel to and in a spaced relationship with the sensing electrode and the reference electrode. A controller is electrically connected to the sensing electrode and to the reference electrode and to the driven shield electrode. The controller is also electrically connected to the actuator for controlling the actuator to move the step between the stowed position and the deployed position in response to the signal from the sensor subassembly.