Vehicle Closure Panel Control via User Load Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles lack an efficient system to automatically control access through closure panels based on user load conditions, such as carrying objects or passengers, which can lead to inconvenient operation and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes sensing technology to detect user characteristics, like hand positions and gait, and a controller to determine load conditions, prompting the movement of closure panels, such as rear gate assemblies, to open or close automatically based on these conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation of closure panels is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates when user carries loads
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects user load conditions through sensing systems and autonomously controls closure panel operation without requiring manual user input. The controller determines whether to open one or both closure panels based on sensed characteristics, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated control system that uses sensing technology to detect user characteristics and electronically controls closure panel movement. This substitution of mechanical user action with sensor-based detection and electronic control resolves the contradiction by improving ease of operation while managing device complexity through intelligent automation.
2Ease of operation
If automated sensing system is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is designed to detect multiple user characteristics including hand positions, gait patterns, and object characteristics simultaneously. This multi-functional sensing capability allows the system to determine load conditions comprehensively without requiring separate specialized sensors for each parameter, thereby improving ease of operation while limiting the increase in device complexity through consolidated sensing functionality.
3Productivity
If both closure panels are opened automatically, then productivity is improved for heavy loads, but safety deteriorates due to potential hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors user characteristics through the sensing system and provides real-time feedback to the controller. Based on this feedback regarding load conditions, the controller dynamically determines the appropriate closure panel configuration - opening one panel for lighter loads and both panels for heavier loads. This feedback mechanism ensures productivity is optimized while safety is maintained by adapting the system response to actual user needs.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for providing access to a vehicle includes first and second closure panels of the vehicle that are operable between open and closed positions. The system also includes a sensing system of the vehicle that senses at least one characteristic of a user positioned in an exterior environment of the vehicle. The system further includes a controller that determines a load carrying condition of the user based on the at least one characteristic of the user sensed by the sensing system. The controller prompts movement of the first closure panel from the closed position to the open position based on a determination of a first load carrying condition of the user. The controller also prompts movement of the first and second closure panels from the closed positions to the open positions based on a determination of a second load carrying condition of the user.