Smart Entry System with Duration-Based Unlocking Logic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart entry systems are difficult to operate due to the need for multiple operation methods and lack of clear indication of the predetermined time for unlocking and locking, leading to unintended door states and reduced convenience.
Innovation Solution
A smart entry system that uses an unlock sensor and a control unit to detect user intentions through contact or pressure on the door handle, determining the duration of the operation to unlock either the driver seat door or all doors, with communication verification and customizable settings to enhance usability and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a combination of touch sensor and mechanical switch operations is used to unlock doors, then door unlocking functionality is achieved, but the operation becomes difficult to understand due to multiple operation objects in different operational manners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the touch sensor and mechanical switch into a unified door handle assembly, integrating multiple sensing functions (touch sensor 31, operation sensor 32) into a single operational interface. This allows users to interact with one consolidated component rather than separate objects, reducing operational complexity while maintaining multiple unlocking modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The door handle assembly is designed as a universal interface that supports multiple operation types (touch sensor operation, mechanical switch operation) through a single integrated structure. This multi-functional design allows the same physical component to serve multiple unlocking purposes, simplifying the user's mental model of how to unlock doors.
2Ease of operation
If a predetermined time is set between first and second mechanical switch operations, then door unlocking sequence is controlled, but it becomes difficult to feel the predetermined time causing unintended door states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that provide real-time information to the user during the unlocking sequence. The control unit monitors the timing between operations and provides feedback (such as indicator lights or auditory signals) to confirm when the predetermined time interval has been satisfied, making the timing requirement perceivable and reducing unintended door states.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary verification of the predetermined time interval between operations before executing the door unlocking sequence. The control unit checks whether the time condition is met before proceeding with door state changes, preventing unintended unlocking or locking actions and providing a buffer that helps users understand the required timing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple operation objects are used for door unlocking, then various unlocking scenarios are covered, but the number of operation objects increases making the system harder to understand
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensing functions (touch sensor 31, operation sensor 32) are merged into a single door handle assembly, allowing the system to support various unlocking scenarios while presenting a unified operational interface to the user. This integration reduces the perceived number of operation objects while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The door handle assembly is designed as a universal multi-functional component that handles different unlocking scenarios (driver seat door only, all doors, different user intentions) through integrated sensors and a unified operation interface, eliminating the need for users to learn multiple separate operation objects.
Data Source
AI summary
A smart entry system includes a driver seat unlock sensor and a centralized control unit. The driver seat unlock sensor is provided in the vicinity of the door handle of the door of the driver seat of a vehicle to detect an intention of an operator of unlocking. The centralized control unit, when detecting an operation of the driver seat unlock sensor and establishment of communication with a mobile device carried by the operator in a predetermined communication range in the vicinity of the vehicle, unlocks a driver seat door lock. The centralized control unit, when detecting an operation of the driver seat unlock sensor for less than a predetermined time, unlocks only the driver seat door lock. The centralized control unit, when detecting an operation of the driver seat unlock sensor for the predetermined time or more, unlocks all the door locks.