Vehicle Door Sensor for Trapping and Collision Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems lack an efficient and cost-effective method to simultaneously detect trapping events between a vehicle door and its body and collision events with objects in the surroundings, often requiring multiple sensors and complex implementations.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system incorporating a single sensor designed to detect both trapping events between the vehicle door and body and collision events with surrounding objects, utilizing a combination of sensor placement, data memory storage of door contour views, and angle encoding to determine door opening angles and prevent incidents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single sensor is used to detect both trapping events and collision events, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but measurement precision and reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing a single sensor system that performs multiple detection functions: it detects both trapping events (objects between door and body) and collision events (objects in surroundings). The sensor is positioned and configured to monitor different spatial zones, enabling one component to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized sensors, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining detection capabilities through intelligent signal processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the monitoring space into different detection zones: a first detection zone for trapping events near the door closure path and a second detection zone for collision events in the broader surroundings. The single sensor system processes signals differently based on which zone an object is detected in, allowing precise event classification and maintaining measurement precision through spatial segmentation of the detection function
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are used to detect both trapping and collision events, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves reliable event detection through a universal sensor system that is strategically positioned to monitor both trapping and collision events. The sensor's location and detection characteristics are optimized to cover both event types, ensuring reliable detection without requiring multiple specialized sensors. The system processes different event types through a unified detection and evaluation pathway, maintaining reliability while simplifying the overall device architecture
3Ease of manufacture
If a single sensor detects both event types, then cost and device simplicity are improved, but the ability to accurately distinguish between event types may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prevents information loss by segmenting the detection space into distinct zones: a first detection zone for trapping events and a second detection zone for collision events. The sensor system evaluates detection signals by determining which zone an object is located in, thereby preserving event type discrimination information. This spatial segmentation allows the single sensor to accurately distinguish between different event types based on the object's position relative to the door and vehicle body
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback through an evaluation unit that analyzes detection signals and determines the type of object detected based on its location in different zones. The system provides feedback by comparing detection results against predefined criteria for trapping versus collision events, enabling accurate event classification. This feedback mechanism ensures that even with a single sensor, the system maintains the ability to distinguish between different event types with high accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the teachings herein include a system for a vehicle having a vehicle body and a vehicle door held pivotably on the vehicle body. An example system includes: an anti-trap protection device to detect a trapping event occurring between the vehicle door and the vehicle body; and an obstacle identification system to detect a collision event occurring between the vehicle door and an object in surroundings of the vehicle. At least one sensor operates both for detection of the trapping event and for detection of the collision event.