Vehicle Sunroof Control Using Multi-Sensor Occupancy Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for automatically closing vehicle sunroofs when parked are inadequate as they often result in unintended closures, especially when occupants are present but motionless, leading to frustration and potential endangerment, and fail to accurately determine if the vehicle is occupied beyond motion sensors.
Innovation Solution
A method and circuit for controlling a sunroof that monitors the engine, sunroof, and accessory states, initiates a timer only when the engine is off and accessories are inactive, and includes sensors for precipitation and occupancy to prevent closure if an occupant is detected, ensuring the sunroof only closes when conditions warrant it.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If motion sensors are used to detect occupancy for automatic sunroof closure, then the system can prevent closures when occupants are moving, but the system fails to detect motionless occupants (sleeping or sitting still) leading to unintended closures
Solution Approach 1:
The occupancy detection system is segmented into multiple independent sensor types (motion sensors, load cells, infrared/thermal sensors) that operate in parallel. Each sensor type detects different aspects of occupancy, and their combined input provides comprehensive detection that overcomes the limitations of any single sensor type, particularly for motionless occupants.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to accept and process inputs from multiple different sensor types (motion, weight, thermal) through a universal interface. This multi-functional approach allows the system to adapt to various occupancy scenarios whether the occupant is moving, sleeping, or sitting still, ensuring reliable detection across all conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the sunroof closes automatically after a predetermined time or when rain is sensed, then protection from rain and theft is improved, but unintended closures occur when occupants are present but motionless
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors occupancy status through multiple sensors and provides feedback to the control logic. Before executing sunroof closure, the system checks real-time feedback from motion sensors, load cells, and thermal sensors to confirm the vehicle is truly unoccupied. This feedback mechanism prevents unintended closures while maintaining protection when the vehicle is actually empty.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary occupancy checks using multiple sensor types before initiating sunroof closure. By checking motion, weight, and thermal signatures in advance, the system ensures that closure only occurs when no occupants are present, preventing convenience issues while maintaining security and weather protection.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensor types are used to determine occupancy, then accuracy of occupancy detection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor types (motion sensors, load cells, infrared/thermal sensors) are merged into a single integrated occupancy detection system. The sensors work together as a unified system where their combined data is processed by a single control module, achieving high detection accuracy while managing complexity through integration rather than separate independent systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a sunroof of a parked vehicle is provided. The method includes the steps of: monitoring a state of an engine; monitoring a state of the sunroof; monitoring a state of at least one accessory; initiating a timer when the state of the engine changes to an off state, the state of the sunroof is an open state, and the state of the at least one accessory is an off state; and closing the sunroof a period of time after initiation of the timer. The method may further include sensing for precipitation throughout the period of time, and closing the sunroof upon sensing precipitation regardless of whether the period of time has elapsed. The method may further include sensing for an occupant within the vehicle when the period of time has elapsed or when precipitation is sensed, and foregoing the step of closing the sunroof if an occupant is sensed.