Shared Coil Inductive Sensor for Vehicle Door Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating two inductive sensors into vehicle door handles for detecting intention to lock or unlock is expensive and space-constrained.
Innovation Solution
A detection device with a single coil shared by two inductive sensors, where one sensor has a target in the form of a loop with switching means connected to fixed or floating potential, allowing for efficient detection by measuring resonant frequency differences in two configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate inductive sensors (each with dedicated coil and target) are integrated into the door handle, then detection functionality for locking and unlocking is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases and available space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate inductive sensors into a single integrated sensor system. One coil serves dual purposes: it acts as the excitation coil for the first inductive sensor and as the detection coil for the second inductive sensor. The first target is associated with the locking region and the second target with the unlocking region, both detected by this shared coil system, thereby reducing component count while maintaining detection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The single coil performs multiple functions: it generates the electromagnetic field for detecting the first target (locking region) and simultaneously serves as the detection coil for sensing the second target (unlocking region). This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate coils, reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost while preserving both detection capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If two separate inductive sensors with dedicated coils are used, then accurate detection of locking and unlocking intentions is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of two separate coils into one shared coil system. The first coil generates the electromagnetic field for detecting the first target, and the same coil's impedance changes are measured to detect the second target. This merging reduces the number of manufactured components from two coils to one, directly lowering manufacturing cost while maintaining detection accuracy through separate analysis of impedance variations at different frequencies.
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 cost-effective and space-efficient integration of two inductive sensors for locking and unlocking detection, confirming detection based on measured resonant frequency differences.
Implementation Method 1
an oscillating circuit comprising a coil B, measuring means for measuring a resonant frequency of said circuit
Implementation Method 2
The control means excite the coil at what is called a resonant frequency FR, for example 5 MHz, by way of an 'LC' oscillating circuit
Implementation Method 3
a second inductive sensor comprising: a second target in the form of a loop, such that a first end of the loop is connected to a fixed potential, and a second end of the loop is connected to switching means
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a device for detecting intention to lock or unlock a door of a motor vehicle, the device including at least a first inductive sensor, including a first target, an oscillating circuit including a coil, a unit measuring a resonant frequency of the circuit, and a printed circuit. The device includes a second inductive sensor including: a second target in the form of a loop, such that a first end of the loop is connected to a fixed potential, and a second end of the loop is connected to a switch having two states, in a first state, the second end of the loop is connected to the fixed potential, in a second state, the second end of the loop is connected to a floating potential; and a controller for the switch. The coil of the first inductive sensor is common to the second inductive sensor.