Sensor Protector V-Shaped Cross Section Detection Range

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing protectors with sensors have a limited movable range for detecting objects, such as fingers, due to the oblong-shaped space between conductive parts, which restricts detection to a narrow angle, making it difficult to detect objects beyond 60°.

Innovation Solution

The design features a hollow part with a V-shaped cross section, where the conductive parts have a convex and concave shape, allowing for a wider movable range and improved detection capabilities, with the space between them having a uniform width and both ends of the V-shaped cross section continuously provided on the inner surface of the outer coat, enhancing the sensor's ability to detect objects over a broader range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the space between conductive parts has an oblong-shaped cross section, then the structure is simple to manufacture, but the movable range for detecting objects is limited to a narrow angle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoiddetection angle range
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional oblong-shaped cross section to a three-dimensional V-shaped cross section with uniform width. This dimensional change allows the conductive parts to bend over a wider angular range (up to 120 degrees) while maintaining manufacturability through standard molding processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the space between conductive parts from an oblong shape to a V-shaped cross section with uniform width. This parameter change enables the conductive parts to achieve greater flexibility and bending capability, expanding the detection angle range without compromising structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the conductive parts are positioned to provide wide detection range, then object detection capability is improved, but the sensor size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection rangeVSAvoidsensor size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs curved surfaces and rounded edges in the V-shaped cross section design, allowing the conductive parts to bend more effectively within a compact volume. The curved geometry enables greater angular movement (120 degrees) without requiring a larger sensor housing, thus maintaining a compact size while expanding detection range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Measurement precision

If the space between conductive parts has uniform width with V-shaped cross section, then detection capability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoiddimensional accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the V-shaped cross section with uniform width into a single integrated mold cavity design. This merging of features allows both the angular detection capability and uniform spacing to be achieved simultaneously through standard injection molding processes, avoiding the need for complex multi-step manufacturing that would require极高 precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This configuration enables detection of objects over a wider range of 120° on both the inner-cabin and outer-cabin sides, improving the sensor's capability and preventing cracks from convex substances, while also simplifying production and miniaturizing the sensor.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor (pressure sensitive sensor) 80 which outputs a corresponding electric signal upon detecting the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure sensitive detection: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2922075B1Protector with sensor
Publication Date: 2017.07.19 NISHIKAWA RUBBER CO LTD
  • EP2922075B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2922075B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2922075B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A protector with a sensor is installed on a sliding door (1) for detecting an alien substance by touch between two conductive parts (54, 55) in a hollow part (52) with a space (53) therebetween. An outer peripheral surface of the hollow part is an outer coat (52a) substantially having a horseshoe shaped cross section. Both ends (52b, 52c) of the outer coat are connected with an installation base member (11). The two conductive parts (54, 55) comprising a conductive part (55) having a convex shape on a lower part of the hollow part and a conductive part (54) having a concave shape on an upper part of the hollow part are shaped and positioned in a manner that the space (53) substantially has a V-shaped cross section and a uniform width in cross section, an opening of the V-shaped cross section faces a side of said installation base member, and both ends (53a, 54b) of the V-shaped cross section are continuously provided on an inner surface of the outer coat (52a).