Motor Vehicle Door Control Using Single-Sensor Triangulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle door control systems require multiple complex sensors for triangulation, increasing costs and complexity, while also lacking efficient obstacle detection and safety features.
Innovation Solution
A method using a single distance sensor for triangulation, combined with angle and image sensors, to control door movements and detect obstacles, allowing for precise positioning and speed determination of objects, and incorporating a magnetorheological braking device for safe door operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple complex sensors are used for triangulation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the triangulation measurement task into two independent parts: (1) a single distance sensor measures distance to the object, and (2) an angle sensor measures the door's angular position. This segmentation replaces the need for multiple complex distance sensors while maintaining triangulation capability, thereby reducing device complexity and cost without sacrificing measurement precision.
2Device complexity
If a single distance sensor is used for triangulation, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple distance sensors with an angle sensor into a unified triangulation system. By combining distance measurement data from a single sensor with angular position data, the system achieves accurate 2D position determination while using fewer and simpler components, thus maintaining measurement precision without the complexity of multiple sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The angle sensor acts as an intermediary that provides angular position information to complement the single distance sensor's range measurement. This intermediary data enables the calculation of precise object position through triangulation mathematics, allowing accurate measurement with reduced sensor complexity.
3Reliability
If obstacle detection capability is enhanced, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single distance sensor multi-functional by using it for both triangulation (position determination) and obstacle detection. The same sensor data serves dual purposes: calculating object position for comfortable door operation and detecting obstacles for safety. This eliminates the need for separate obstacle detection sensors, improving safety without increasing device complexity.
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
This approach reduces sensor costs and complexity, enhances obstacle detection, and improves safety by enabling precise door control and automatic collision avoidance, while maintaining comfortable operation.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetorheological braking device for safe door operation
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling the movements of at least one controllable door of a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle component. A control device and a sensor arrangement are assigned to the door, and the door has a controllable motion influencing device. A motion of a door wing of the door can be controlled and influenced by way of the motion influencing device in between a closed position and an open position. The sensor arrangement includes a distance sensor in the movable door wing that captures distance data during the motion, and obtains from the distance data captured with the distance sensor in different angular positions, the position of at least one object in the surrounding area of the door wing, by way of triangulation.