Vehicle Assembly Module Optical Sensor User Intention Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle systems for automatically opening doors based on user intention are unreliable due to difficulties in perceiving and reaching the control panel, leading to failed activation.

Innovation Solution

An assembly module with an optical sensor system that includes auxiliary means to enhance user intention detection, such as variable activation regions and illumination states, to provide a more reliable operating signal, including the use of display elements and capacitive sensors to assist users in making their intentions known.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a visible control panel is provided for user interaction, then the user can initiate door opening, but the user may fail to perceive or reach the control panel in time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interaction with control panelVSAvoidreliability of operating signal provision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical control panel system with a capacitive sensor system that detects electrical field changes from the user's body. This eliminates the need for visual perception and physical reaching, as the sensor can detect the user's approach and intentions through capacitive coupling, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary capacitive field between the user and the control system. Instead of direct visual contact with a control panel, the user's body capacitance serves as an intermediary that triggers the operating signal, allowing reliable detection without requiring the user to see or reach the control interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the activation region is monitored with fixed parameters, then the system is simple to implement, but it cannot adapt to different user needs and situations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different user intentionsVSAvoidcomplexity of monitoring system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic monitoring by continuously adjusting the activation region parameters (position, size, sensitivity) based on detected user presence and behavior patterns. The system transitions from static to dynamic operation, adapting the monitoring parameters in real-time to different user situations while maintaining manageable complexity through progressive activation of monitoring features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the monitoring system into multiple independent detection zones with different sensitivity levels and functions. By dividing the activation region into segments, the system can apply different monitoring strategies to different areas, increasing adaptability to various user intentions while keeping each segment's complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

The system significantly improves the reliability of providing operating signals by increasing user interaction possibilities and adaptability, particularly for physically impaired users, ensuring successful door opening and trailer coupling activation.

Implementation Method 1

an optical sensor system which is suitable a) for monitoring an activation region outside the motor vehicle during an activation duration in order to identify a user's intention

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a display element which is configured in an illuminated state in which visible light is emitted by the display element in order to make at least a part of the activation region and/or the activation duration visible for the user

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 3

the assembly module comprises a capacitive sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS10005428B2Assembly module
Publication Date: 2018.06.26 HUF HÜLSBECK & FÜRST GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

The invention relates to an assembly module (20) for a motor vehicle (1), said assembly module having an optical sensor system (30) which is suitable a) for monitoring an activation region (22) outside of the motor vehicle (1) during an activation duration in order to identify a user's intention in the activation region (22), b) for providing a working signal in the case that a user's intention has been identified. According to the invention, auxiliary means (31, 43, 45, 80) are provided which help the user (10) to make the user's intention in the activation region (22, 28) known so that the working signal can be provided.