Vehicle Capacitive Activation Sensing With Controlled Charge Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capacitive sensing in vehicles is prone to interference emissions and external influences, which affect the reliability of detecting activation actions for functions like opening or unlocking vehicle components.
Innovation Solution
An arrangement with a sensor element, signal generator, evaluation arrangement, and sensor controlling arrangement that uses a controlled charge transfer with a specific frequency to minimize interference, featuring an operational amplifier for precise control and noise reduction, allowing reliable detection of activation actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If charge transfer is used for capacitive sensing, then sensing capability is enabled, but interfering emissions are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a control signal with a predetermined working frequency to initiate repeated charge transfers at the sensor element. This periodic charging and discharging creates a controlled oscillating signal that can be easily distinguished from random interference, enabling reliable capacitive sensing while minimizing unwanted emissions through frequency-specific control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the control signal to a specific predetermined working frequency. This parameter change allows the system to operate at an optimized frequency that balances sensing capability with interference reduction, as the specific frequency can be chosen to avoid known interference sources while maintaining effective sensor response
2Measurement precision
If charge transfers are initiated repeatedly, then sensing precision is improved, but electromagnetic interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary control signal that mediates between the power supply and the sensor element. This control signal acts as a buffer, allowing repeated charge transfers to be initiated in a controlled manner at a specific frequency, thereby improving sensing precision while the intermediary nature of the control signal helps to contain and manage the electromagnetic interference generated
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback through the evaluation arrangement that repeatedly determines sensor element parameters based on sensor signals. This feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor the sensing output and adjust the control signal accordingly, maintaining precise measurement while the feedback loop helps to stabilize and reduce electromagnetic interference through active control
3Object-generated harmful factors
If working frequency is maintained precisely, then interference reduction is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the control arrangement to perform multiple functions: generating the control signal, maintaining the predetermined working frequency, initiating charge transfers, and providing feedback for parameter determination. This multi-functional design reduces overall system complexity while maintaining precise frequency control for interference reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the signal generation and control functions into a single integrated control arrangement. By combining these functions, the system achieves precise working frequency maintenance for interference reduction without the added complexity of separate dedicated circuits for each function, as the merged arrangement handles all control tasks in a unified manner
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 solution effectively reduces interference and enhances the reliability of capacitive sensing by maintaining a precise working frequency, improving electromagnetic compatibility and enabling secure authentication for vehicle functions.
Implementation Method 1
by means of a sensor element, such as a sensor electrode, a variable capacitance can be provided, which is specific for changes in the surroundings of the sensor element. This makes it possible to sense changes in the surroundings capacitively.
Implementation Method 2
an (electronic) signal generator arrangement (such as a signal generator) for providing a control signal (such as an electric voltage) for an electric control of the sensor element, preferably for initiating charge transfers at the sensor element
Implementation Method 3
an (electronic) amplifying means of the sensor controlling arrangement, which is electrically interconnected to the evaluation arrangement in order to provide the sensor signal on the basis of the charge transfers
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement (10) for a vehicle (1) for detecting an activation action for activating a function on the vehicle (1), in particular for detecting an activation action in a front, side and/or rear region (1.2, 1.4, 1.7) of the vehicle (1) for activating an opening and/or unlocking of a lid (1.3, 1.6) on the vehicle (1), comprising:at least one sensor element (20) for sensing a change, in particular an approach by an activation means (3), in the surroundings of the sensor element (20),a signal generator arrangement (130) for providing a control signal for an electric control of the sensor element (20),an evaluation arrangement (200) for repeatedly determining at least one parameter of the sensor element (20) specific to the sensing on the basis of a sensor signal, in order in order to carry out the detection of the activation action,a sensor controlling arrangement (170) which is electrically interconnected to the sensor element (20),a transmission element (170.1) of the sensor controlling arrangement (170), which is electrically interconnected to the signal generator arrangement (130) in order to initiate repeated charge transfers at the sensor element (20) on the basis of the control signal,an amplifying means (170.2) of the sensor controlling arrangement (170), which is electrically interconnected to the evaluation arrangement (200) in order to provide the sensor signal on the basis of the charge transfers.