Vehicle Closing Element Actuation Energy Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Contactless actuation of vehicle locking elements in existing technologies has high energy consumption due to continuous searching for authorized radio keys and activation of sensor means.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that detect an object's approach using optical sensors, activating additional sensors only after a successful detection, reducing energy usage by minimizing unnecessary searches and activations, and utilizing a matrix of pixels for precise detection and partial activation to conserve energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If continuous searching for authorized radio keys and activation of sensor means is performed, then contactless actuation functionality is available, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first detecting object approach using optical sensors before activating the radio key search and additional sensor means. This sequence ensures that energy-intensive operations are only performed when an object is actually approaching, resolving the contradiction between maintaining functionality and reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic action by continuously monitoring for object approach with optical sensors and only periodically activating the radio key search and additional sensors when approach is detected. This transforms continuous operation into conditional periodic operation, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining reliability.
2Area of stationary object
If optical sensor means are used for detecting approach, then detection area can be enlarged, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by using a matrix of pixels within the optical sensor means, where individual pixels or pixel groups can be selectively activated. This allows the detection area to be effectively enlarged through spatial segmentation while managing system complexity by only activating necessary pixel segments when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements partial action by activating only the necessary portion of the pixel matrix when an object approach is detected, rather than continuously activating all sensors at full capacity. This reduces the effective complexity while maintaining the ability to cover a large detection area when required.
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
Significantly reduces energy consumption by optimizing sensor activation based on detected object approaches, allowing for larger detection areas and precise gesture recognition, thereby minimizing errors and energy expenditure.
Implementation Method 1
Approaching an object to a point within a range is detected with optical sensor means
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for actuating a closing element (7) of a vehicle (10) in which the following steps are carried out: optically detecting when an object approaches a point (11) in an area (8); searching for a smart key which is authorized for the vehicle (10) only if an approach of an object has already been detected; activating additional sensor means (3) only when the smart key is found; collecting information by means of the additional sensor means (3); actuating the closure element (7) if the collected information meets at least one predetermined requirement.