Vehicle Closure Obstacle Detection Using Optical Transceivers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle closure systems face challenges in detecting obstacles without physical contact, leading to potential damage and increased complexity and cost due to the need for precise sensor placement.

Innovation Solution

A non-contact obstacle detection system using transceivers mounted on closure and closure frame structures, with a controller that operates in different modes based on the closure angle to determine the presence of obstacles through signal transmission and reflection, allowing for safe operation and reduced complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If contact switches or sensors are used to detect obstacles, then obstacle detection capability is improved, but the complexity and cost of design and manufacture increase due to precise positioning requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobstacle detection capabilityVSAvoidsensor positioning complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical contact switches with optical transceivers that use light signals to detect obstacles. The transceivers send optical signals across the closure path and detect reflections or interruptions, eliminating the need for physical contact and precise mechanical positioning of sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces optical signals as an intermediary between the closure system and obstacles. Instead of direct mechanical contact, the system uses transmitted and reflected light signals to indirectly detect the presence of obstacles, reducing the complexity of direct sensor-to-obstacle interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If contact switches are used to prevent damage, then obstacle protection is improved, but the likelihood of inadvertent impact increases before contact is detected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobstacle protectionVSAvoidinadvertent impact

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary obstacle detection by continuously monitoring the closure path with optical transceivers before the closure makes contact. The system detects obstacles in advance and can trigger warning signals or prevent closure operation, eliminating inadvertent impacts before they occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

By replacing mechanical contact-based detection with optical field-based detection, the system can sense obstacles at a distance without requiring physical contact, thereby preventing harmful impacts before they happen.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a noncontact safety system is implemented, then perception of luxury and technological exclusivity is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperception of luxury and technological exclusivityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical transceiver system serves multiple functions: it detects obstacles, provides safety monitoring, and can potentially communicate vehicle status. This multi-functionality justifies the complexity by delivering both technological sophistication and practical utility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 effectively detects obstacles without physical contact, enhancing safety and reducing design and manufacturing costs by providing a reliable and cost-effective solution for obstacle detection in vehicle closures.

Implementation Method 1

command the first group of transceivers to generate a first signal across the closure gap toward the second group of transceivers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

command the first group of transceivers to generate a third signal across the closure gap such that the third signal is reflected off the second closure structure as a fourth signal to be received by the first group of transceivers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS9518417B2Vehicle closure obstacle detection systems and methods

Publication Date: 2016.12.13 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

An obstacle detection system of a vehicle includes a first group of transceivers mounted on the first closure structure and a second group of transceivers mounted on the second closure structure. A controller is configured to, during the first mode, command the first group of transceivers to generate a first signal, command, upon receiving the first signal, the second group of transceivers to generate a second signal to be received by the first group of transceivers, and determine a presence or absence of an obstacle based on the second signal. The controller is configured to, during the second mode, command the first group of transceivers to generate a third signal such that the third signal is reflected off the second closure structure as a fourth signal to be received by the first group of transceivers, and determine the presence or absence of the obstacle based on the fourth signal.