Vehicle Surface Deformation Sensing for Inductive Lock Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle sensor systems, particularly capacitive sensors, face challenges with complex data processing due to environmental factors like humidity and require external access, leading to installation complexities and limited functionality.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system utilizing multiple inductive sensor elements for detecting deformations on vehicle surfaces, allowing reliable activation of vehicle functions without external exposure, using inductance measurement to evaluate deformation profiles and patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If capacitive sensors are used for touch detection, then vehicle functions can be activated, but processing becomes complex and environmentally sensitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces capacitive sensing with inductive sensing using sensor elements that detect deformations through inductance measurements. This substitution eliminates the environmental sensitivity of capacitive sensors while maintaining the ability to detect touch and pressure inputs for activating vehicle functions.
2Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are made accessible from outside, then measurement accuracy is ensured, but installation becomes complex with sealing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the sensor elements within the vehicle interior panel structure, nesting them behind the deformation area. This allows the sensors to remain protected inside the vehicle while still detecting deformations from the outside, eliminating the need for external sensor access and associated sealing requirements.
3Reliability
If multiple sensor elements are used for deformation detection, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing function into multiple discrete sensor elements, each responsible for detecting deformations in specific deformation areas. This segmentation allows for improved detection reliability through spatial distribution while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If sensor elements are positioned inside the vehicle, then protection from environmental factors is achieved, but measuring range accessibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the sensing approach from direct external contact to indirect detection through panel deformations. By sensing the deformation of the vehicle panel from the interior side, the system maintains environmental protection while preserving external accessibility through the deformation transmission mechanism.
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
Provides a reliable, convenient, and simplified method to activate vehicle functions by detecting subtle deformations, immune to environmental factors and reducing mechanical installation efforts.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor elements are each designed for inductance measurement, such that a measurement result of the inductance measurement is specific for the deformation in a respective deformation area
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor system (200) for activating at least one vehicle function of a vehicle (1), preferably for activating an electric lock (3) of the vehicle (1), the sensor system (200) having: -at least a first and second sensor element (20a, 20b) each for detecting a deformation in at least one deformation region (30a, 30b) on the vehicle (1), -at least one processing device (80) for evaluating each detection operation of the sensor elements (20a, 20b). According to the invention, a deformation behaviour (V), which is detected by the sensor elements (20a, 20b), can be evaluated by the processing device (80) such that the at least one vehicle function can be activated depending on the detected deformation behaviour (V).