Timed Vehicle Door Closing with Zone Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic vehicle door closing systems are inconvenient as they often require immediate user input, potentially causing safety concerns and limiting usability when the user has hands full or is in an unsafe position, and do not provide adequate comfort of use.
Innovation Solution
A timed closing method for vehicle doors that allows users to initiate the closing operation via an intention sensor, which can be activated manually or remotely, and includes visual and auditory feedback to ensure safety, allowing for delayed closure once the area is clear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If immediate closing is triggered by user input, then closing operation is executed quickly, but user safety is compromised as user may still be under the closing door
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the protection zone before executing the closing action. The control unit checks whether any element is present in the protection zone defined relative to the opening's movement path, and only permits closing when the zone is clear, thus preventing harmful effects before they can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the protection zone during the closing operation and provides feedback to the control unit. If an element is detected in the protection zone during closing, the system responds by stopping or reversing the closing action, creating a closed-loop safety mechanism that adapts to real-time conditions.
2Extent of automation
If dedicated control button is placed at the end of the tailgate, then closing can be triggered, but user convenience deteriorates when hands are full or user is in unsafe position
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed to accept closing commands from multiple sources: the dedicated control button on the tailgate, remote control devices, and key fobs. This multi-functionality ensures that closing can be triggered regardless of the user's hand availability or position, maintaining ease of operation under various conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that processes closing commands from various inputs and coordinates the closing operation. It receives signals from different control interfaces and manages the timing and execution of the closing action, allowing users to initiate closing from safe distances or positions without needing to physically reach the tailgate button.
3Reliability
If impact sensors are used to stop closing movement, then collision detection is provided, but user comfort is insufficient as stopping only occurs after contact
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection in the protection zone before the closing door actually contacts any object. By defining a protection zone that extends into the door's movement path and checking for elements within this zone in advance, the system prevents contact rather than merely detecting it, significantly improving user comfort while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves as an intermediary between the physical closing mechanism and the detection system. It processes signals from sensors monitoring the protection zone and intermediates the closing action by stopping or reversing the door before contact occurs, providing both reliable detection and enhanced user comfort through proactive intervention.
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves receiving an opening frame e.g. boot (2) such as tailgate, closing command within a motor vehicle i.e. car, by pressure exerted by a user on an intention sensor (8) that is in form of a translucent bush button, and temporizing a closing operation of the frame till detection of a triggering event. The frame closing command is rejected if the detection of the triggering event is not intervened before a determined duration, and cancellation command is received within the vehicle. An independent claim is also included for an opening frame closing device comprising an intention sensor.