Vehicle Door Control Algorithm for Obstacle Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatically actuated movable panels in motor vehicles pose a risk of hitting obstacles or remaining open inopportune times, placing physical and mental burdens on users and compromising safety, as existing solutions require manual intervention or physical switches.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a movable panel, a motivator, a proximity sensor, and a control module with integrated control logic that determines panel position and initiates movement based on passive inputs and obstacle detection, reducing user burden while ensuring safety through automated operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automatically actuated movable panels are used, then user convenience is improved, but safety and risk of collision worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors door position, vehicle motion state, and obstacle presence through sensors (proximity sensors, ultrasonic sensors, radar) and adjusts door actuation accordingly. The control module receives real-time feedback and modifies operation to prevent collisions and ensure safety while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary checks of vehicle state (motion, gear position, seatbelt status) and obstacle presence before initiating door movement. This advance verification prevents unsafe operation and potential collisions before they occur.
2Reliability
If manual intervention is required to close movable panels, then safety is improved, but user burden worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The door system autonomously determines when to open or close based on vehicle state and environmental conditions without requiring user input. The control module automatically activates the motivator to move the panel, making the system self-managing while maintaining safety through sensor monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses continuous feedback from sensors monitoring door position, vehicle motion, and obstacles to automatically control panel operation. This eliminates the need for manual user intervention while maintaining safety through real-time environmental awareness.
3Ease of operation
If physical switches are used to control movable panels, then ease of operation is improved, but mental and physical demands on user worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically controls door operation based on detected vehicle state (motion, gear position, seatbelt status) and environmental conditions, completely eliminating the need for physical user interaction with switches or controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical switch-based control with an electronic sensor and control module system that automatically determines door operation based on vehicle state and environmental conditions.
4Ease of operation
If automated door closing is implemented, then user burden is reduced, but risk of hitting obstacles worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of obstacles using proximity sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and radar before initiating door movement. This advance obstacle detection prevents collisions by stopping or modifying door operation when potential hazards are detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors for obstacles during door operation using multiple sensor types and adjusts movement in real-time to avoid collisions, providing active protection against harmful effects.
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 automates the operation of movable panels, reducing the risk of collisions and user stress by automatically closing or opening panels based on vehicle conditions and obstacle presence, enhancing safety and maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a proximity sensor, and a control module disposed within the motor vehicle, the control module having a processor configured to execute control logic stored within a non transitory computer readable memory
Data Source
AI summary
A system for operating an automatically movable panel that forms a portion of an exterior of a vehicle, and provides access to an interior of the vehicle; a motivator connected to the panel and moving the panel through a range of motion; a proximity sensor; and a control module disposed within the motor vehicle, the control module having a processor configured to execute control logic, the motivator and the proximity sensor in electronic communication with the control module. The control logic including: determining a position of the panel; receiving a plurality of passive inputs; selectively utilizing the motivator to move the panel through the range of motion based on the passive inputs; utilizing the proximity sensor to selectively determine when to initiate movement of the movable panel through the range of motion with the motivator; and informing a motor vehicle occupant of movement of the panel via a human-machine interface.