Sealed Door Unlocking Mechanism With Switchless Sensor Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door unlocking and/or door opening mechanisms for electric vehicle locks require more installation space and are prone to wear due to switch-based designs, which are not effectively sealed against external influences.
Innovation Solution
A compact door unlocking and/or door opening mechanism featuring an actuating device with a detection unit housed within a sealed plastics material enclosure, utilizing a capacitive or inductive sensor to detect changes in distance between a movable trigger element and a fixed electrode, allowing for switchless operation and reduced wear, with an elastic housing and reset element for efficient force transmission and reset.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a switch-based actuating device is used for door unlocking, then the door can be opened electrically, but the device requires more installation space and is prone to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical switch-based actuating device with a capacitive or inductive sensor system. The sensor detects the actuating element's position through electromagnetic fields without mechanical contact, eliminating wear from switch actuation while reducing installation space requirements through integration into the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a trigger element as an intermediary between the actuating element and the sensor. This trigger element translates mechanical actuation into detectable changes in distance or position that the sensor can measure, enabling wear-free detection while maintaining compact dimensions.
2Ease of operation
If the housing is opened for switch actuation, then the switch can be operated, but the housing is not sealed against external influences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical switch requiring housing opening with a sensor-based detection system. The sensor detects the trigger element's position through electromagnetic fields that can penetrate the sealed housing, allowing operation while maintaining the housing's seal against external influences like moisture and dust.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs the housing as a sealed enclosure that allows electromagnetic field penetration. The housing structure maintains its sealing function while permitting the sensor to detect the trigger element through the housing material, effectively using the housing itself as part of the detection system.
3Device complexity
If a compact actuating device is designed, then less installation space is required, but the detection unit cannot be easily accessed for actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the detection unit within the housing, with the sensor and trigger element integrated into the compact structure. The actuating element extends outward from the housing while the detection components remain enclosed, achieving compact installation space while maintaining external accessibility for actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger element serves as an intermediary that bridges the external actuating element and the internal sensor. It translates external mechanical input into detectable changes within the sealed housing, allowing compact design while preserving ease of operation through the external actuating interface.
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 compact, wear-reduced, and sealed door unlocking mechanism that requires less installation space, is resistant to external influences, and allows for efficient detection of user input without the need for external switch actuation, enhancing the reliability and durability of the door opening process.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor (3.3.1) which detects a change in distance between the sensor (3.3.1) and the trigger element (3.3.2) on the basis of a change in capacitance between the sensor (3.3.1) and the trigger element (3.3.2)
Implementation Method 2
a sensor (3.3.1) and a trigger element (3.3.2), at least one of the sensor (3.3.1) and the trigger element (3.3.2) forming an inductance converter
Data Source
AI summary
A door unlocking and/or door opening mechanism may have an actuating device that may have at least one actuating element, a housing, and at least one detection unit. The detection unit may have a sensor, a trigger element and an evaluation unit. The detection unit may be arranged in the housing. The actuating element may be arranged for an actuation outside the housing and in a region that is accessible from the outside. The trigger element may be arranged at a distance from the sensor in a locked state of the door unlocking and/or door opening mechanism. When the actuating element is actuated in the direction of the housing, to the actuating element deforms the trigger element. The sensor detects a change in the distance between the trigger element and the sensor.