Multi-Function Touch Sensor for Reliable Vehicle Door Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automobile entry systems with electrically-operated door locks and latches rely on multiple electromechanical switches and sensors, which can be cumbersome and prone to spurious events, lacking a seamless multi-function control mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function sensor apparatus with an array of sensing electrodes and a control circuit that detects touch and proximity events, enabling integrated control of door locks and latches with enhanced differentiation between bona fide and spurious touches, and allowing for various functions like locking, unlocking, and latching through capacitive or field effect sensing technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple electromechanical switches and sensors are used to control door locks and latches, then the door control functions can be achieved, but the system becomes cumbersome and prone to spurious events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (proximity sensing, touch sensing, force sensing) into a single multi-function sensor apparatus. This single sensor integrates what would traditionally require multiple separate switches and sensors, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable door control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: proximity detection, touch detection, and force detection. This multi-functional sensor can control both door locks and latches, replacing the need for dedicated sensors for each function and reducing the overall number of components in the system.
2Reliability
If traditional sensors are used to detect user input, then basic touch detection is possible, but spurious touches cannot be differentiated from intentional touches
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor apparatus incorporates feedback mechanisms that analyze multiple parameters (proximity, touch, force) to distinguish between intentional and spurious touches. By continuously monitoring these parameters and comparing them against predetermined thresholds, the system can accurately differentiate user intent and prevent erroneous actuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes changes in multiple physical parameters (capacitance for proximity, impedance for touch, force for pressure) to detect user input. By monitoring changes across these different parameters simultaneously, the system achieves higher detection precision and can filter out spurious events that would trigger a single-parameter sensor.
3Reliability
If pressure-based switches are used for door control, then reliable detection is achieved, but pressure application is required which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pressure-based switches with capacitive and field-effect sensors that detect touch and proximity without requiring physical pressure. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical contact and force application, making the door control system easier to operate while maintaining reliable detection through electrical field sensing.
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 efficient, pressure-free operation of door locks and latches with improved reliability by distinguishing between intentional and spurious touches, allowing for versatile control of vehicle access functions using a light touch, reducing complexity and enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
capacitive or field effect sensing technology
Implementation Method 2
capacitive or field effect sensing technology
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-function sensor apparatus includes multiple sensing electrodes and a control circuit adapted to receive signals from each of the sensing electrodes and to deem whether the sensing electrodes are in a touched state or an untouched state. The control circuit also is adapted to selectively provide an output based on the sensor's states and the manner in which the sensors came to be in such states.