Vehicle Access System Using Ultrasonic Movement Pattern Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle access systems, such as those using capacitive sensors or predefined movement patterns, are not intuitive and can cause users to become unbalanced when trying to open a tailgate while carrying objects, and may require operation of a key fob, which is inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle access system that uses ultrasonic range sensors to track a user's positional movement pattern and compare it to pre-defined movement maps to control the opening and closing of vehicle openings, allowing for automated access without the need to operate an actuator, and can adapt movement maps based on obstacles or user position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a key fob button is used to activate the powered tailgate, then the tailgate can be opened, but the user cannot access the key fob when carrying objects like boxes or luggage
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the tailgate to open itself automatically when the user approaches, eliminating the need for manual key fob operation. The capacitive sensor detects the user's presence and triggers automatic opening, allowing the user to carry objects without needing to access the key fob.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical button-pressing action on the key fob is replaced by a capacitive sensing system that detects the user's approach and automatically activates the tailgate opening mechanism, substituting manual mechanical operation with an automated sensing and actuation system.
2Ease of operation
If a capacitive sensor detects a swivelling action of the user's foot to open the tailgate, then the user can open the tailgate without using the key fob, but the gesture is not intuitive and could cause the user to become unbalanced
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the detection parameter from foot swivelling motion to simple approach detection. Instead of requiring a specific complex gesture, the capacitive sensor detects the user's approach and the system responds with automatic tailgate opening, making the interaction more intuitive and balanced.
3Extent of automation
If multiple sensors are provided to detect user movement patterns, then automated access can be provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive sensor array, originally designed for touch detection, is made multi-functional by using it for both proximity detection and gesture recognition. This allows automated access control to be implemented using existing sensor infrastructure, reducing the need for additional specialized sensors and minimizing system complexity.
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
Provides intuitive and convenient automated access to vehicles by recognizing user movement patterns, reducing the risk of unbalance and eliminating the need to operate a key fob, while also allowing for adaptive access control based on environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The tracking means comprises an ultrasonic range sensor which, in use, measures the distance to the user to generate said positional movement pattern
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
The present invention relates to a vehicle access system (1) having a tracking means (11; 23, 25, 27) for tracking a positional movement pattern of a user (D) relative to a vehicle (3). A controller (9) is provided for controlling the opening and/or closing of a vehicle opening(5). The controller (9) communicates with a storage device (15) and the tracking means (11; 23, 25, 27). The controller (9) has a comparator (17) for comparing the positional movement pattern with one or more pre-defined movement maps stored in the storage device(15). The controller is configured to open the vehicle opening when the comparator (17) determines that the positional movement pattern corresponds to a first of the pre-defined movement maps. Alternatively, or in addition the controller can be configured to close the vehicle opening when the comparator (17) determines that the positional movement pattern corresponds to a second of said pre-defined movement maps. The invention also relates to a method of opening/closing a vehicle opening.