Vehicle Door Obstruction Detection via Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle door systems lack advanced features for automatic operation and obstruction detection, leading to inefficient access and potential collisions during opening and closing.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle door system comprising a door actuator, sensors, and a controller that captures environmental data to identify objects and determine clearance times, controlling the door to open or close safely and prevent collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional manual door operation is used, then device complexity is low, but ease of operation is reduced for users with mobility issues and productivity is lowered due to manual effort required
Solution Approach 1:
The door system operates autonomously by detecting user approach through sensors and automatically opening/closing the door without manual intervention, allowing the system to serve itself and the user simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical door operation with an automated electromechanical system comprising sensors, controllers, and actuators that detect user presence and execute door opening/closing actions automatically
2Productivity
If door opens immediately without detection, then productivity is high with quick access, but object-affected harmful factors increase due to potential collisions with pedestrians or objects
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the environment and identifies pedestrians or objects in the door path before executing the door opening action, allowing advance preparation and safety verification
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system continuously monitors the environment and provides feedback to the controller, which adjusts door operation timing and speed based on detected objects, creating a closed-loop safety system
3Productivity
If door closes without clearance detection, then productivity is high with rapid closure, but object-affected harmful factors increase due to potential collisions with approaching objects
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of approaching objects and calculates clearance time before initiating door closure, ensuring safe operation by verifying the path is clear or objects are far enough away
Solution Approach 2:
The door closure operation is made dynamic and adaptive, with the controller adjusting closure speed and timing based on real-time sensor data about approaching objects, rather than using fixed mechanical closure
4Loss of time
If manual door operation is used, then device complexity is low, but loss of time increases due to manual effort and positioning required
Solution Approach 1:
The automated door system eliminates the need for users to manually operate the door, allowing the system to perform the operation autonomously and reducing the time users spend on this task
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical door operation with an automated electromechanical system comprising sensors, controllers, and actuators that detect user presence and execute door opening/closing actions automatically
5Reliability
If door system lacks obstruction detection, then device complexity is low, but reliability decreases due to potential collisions and unsafe operation
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system continuously monitors the environment and provides feedback to the controller, which adjusts door operation timing and speed based on detected objects, creating a closed-loop safety system
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of the environment and identifies pedestrians or objects in the door path before executing the door opening action, allowing advance preparation and safety verification
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle door system is disclosed. The system comprises a door actuator, at least one sensor, and a controller. The at least one sensor is configured to capture data corresponding to an environment local to the vehicle. The controller is configured to process the data to identify at least one object moving proximate the vehicle and control the door actuator to oppose an opening motion of the door in response to the identification of the object.