Hands-Free Vehicle Door Actuation via Gesture and RF Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle entry systems, such as manual door handles and remote access devices, can be inefficient for individuals with full arms or limited mobility, as they require manual operation or button depression, which can be challenging when carrying items or experiencing mobility issues.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system featuring a presence sensor and an occupant response sensor, controlled by a controller, which automatically opens or closes a closure panel upon detecting the presence of an occupant and matching their response, using RF, optical, audio, or touch-sensitive inputs, allowing hands-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual door handle actuation is used, then the door can be opened, but one hand must remain free which is problematic when arms are full
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical door handle actuation system with an automated sensor-based system. Optical sensors detect hand presence and gestures, while RF receivers detect key fob signals, eliminating the need for manual mechanical operation of the door handle. The control module processes these sensor inputs to automatically actuate the door, resolving the contradiction by substituting mechanical hand operation with automated detection and actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The door opening system performs self-service by automatically detecting when the user needs entry and executing the opening action without requiring manual intervention. The system monitors for hand presence, interprets gestures, or detects key fob signals, then autonomously activates the door actuator, allowing users with full arms to enter without needing to free a hand for manual handle operation.
2Ease of operation
If remote access device button depression is used, then the door can be unlocked, but finger or thumb depression is required which is challenging when carrying items
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical button depression requirement with contactless sensor-based detection. Optical sensors detect hand gestures in proximity to the vehicle, and RF receivers detect key fob signals without requiring physical contact. This substitution eliminates the need for finger or thumb depression, allowing users carrying items to unlock the door without needing to free a hand.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary sensors (optical and RF) that mediate between the user and the door unlocking system. Instead of direct mechanical button depression, the optical sensors detect hand gestures as an intermediary signal, and RF receivers detect key fob transmissions as an intermediary communication method. These intermediaries translate user intent into door unlocking actions without requiring direct manual manipulation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If automated sensor-based entry is implemented, then hands-free operation is enabled, but device complexity increases with multiple sensors and controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing a control module that processes multiple types of sensor inputs (optical hand detection, RF key fob signals) through a single integrated controller. The same control module manages both the door unlocking and door opening functions, consolidating control logic rather than requiring separate controllers for each function. This universal approach enables hands-free operation while minimizing the increase in system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the door unlocking and door opening control functions into a single integrated control module. Rather than having separate control systems for unlocking and opening, the control module receives inputs from both optical sensors and RF receivers, processes all sensor data centrally, and coordinates the actuation of both door mechanisms. This consolidation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining hands-free operation capabilities.
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
Enables efficient and convenient vehicle entry and exit for occupants with full arms or mobility limitations by automatically opening or closing panels without the need for manual operation, enhancing accessibility for individuals with children, groceries, or limited mobility.
Implementation Method 1
the first sensor is a radio frequency (RF) receiver adapted to receive an RF signal emitted by an RF emitter positioned external to the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
the first sensor is an optical presence sensor
Implementation Method 3
the first sensor is an ultrasonic sensor
Implementation Method 4
the first sensor is a laser sensor
Implementation Method 5
the second sensor is an audio receiver
Implementation Method 6
the second sensor is a touch-sensitive sensor
Implementation Method 7
the occupant response sensor has an emitter for projecting a light beam onto a surface, with the detected occupant response being interference with the path of the light beam using a gesture
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle is provided having a sensor for detecting a vehicle occupant's presence, and another sensor for detecting an owner's response with respect to automatically opening a vehicle closure panel. An actuator opens the closure panel when the occupant's presence and response are detected. A signal from an emitter outside the vehicle signals occupant presence. A photoelectric and/or optical device, audio receiver, and/or touch-sensitive sensor detects the response. The optical device projects a light beam, and breaking the beam with a gesture signals the response. An automatic closure panel opening apparatus has an RF receiver adapted to receive an RF signal to detect occupant presence, a sensor for detecting the occupant response, and an actuator for opening the closure panel when both the presence and occupant response are detected. A method for automatically opening the closure panel includes detecting an occupant presence and response, and automatically opening the closure panel when a predetermined response is detected.