Vehicle Flap Opening Control Using Proximity-Based Angle Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated vehicle flaps, such as doors, tailgates, and hoods, risk damage during opening due to obstacles despite set maximum permissible angles.
Innovation Solution
A control system that adjusts the flap's opening state based on real-time distance measurements from external communication devices using short-range communication technologies like UWB or Bluetooth, setting temporary limits to prevent collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the flap is opened automatically to a large opening angle, then the usability and accessibility of the vehicle is improved, but the risk of collision with obstacles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of obstacles in the flap's path using communication devices (Bluetooth, UWB, WiFi) before the automated opening action is executed. If an obstacle is detected within a predefined safety distance, the system prevents the opening action or limits the opening angle, thereby avoiding collision while maintaining automated operation convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the environment during automated flap operation by receiving signal strength information from external communication devices. Based on the real-time feedback of signal strength (which correlates with distance), the control unit dynamically adjusts the flap opening angle to maintain a safe distance from detected obstacles, resolving the contradiction between achieving full opening and avoiding collision
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
Reduces the risk of flap damage by dynamically adjusting the opening angle based on detected obstacles, ensuring safe and controlled operation.
Implementation Method 1
the distance of the communication device from the at least one external communication device may be calculated on the basis of a sum of, for example, transit times detected or measured by means of the control device of a signal emitted by the communication device to the at least one external communication device and of a signal emitted by the at least one external communication device to the communication device
Implementation Method 2
the distance of the communication device from the at least one external communication device may be determined based on a signal strength detected or measured, for example, by means of the control device, of the signal transmitted by the at least one external communication device
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle has at least one flap, at least one flap drive, which is configured to open and close the at least one flap by changing a value of a state parameter of the at least one flap. A control device is configured to control the at least one flap drive in order to open the at least one flap up to an adjustable value of the state parameter of the at least one flap and to close the at least one flap. A communication device is configured to communicate wirelessly with at least one external communication device, and to periodically determine a distance of the communication device from the at least one external communication device, if a communication connection is established between the communication device and the at least one external communication device. The control device is configured to set the adjustable value of the state parameter of the at least one flap to a predetermined value of the state parameter of the at least one flap during a period in which the control device periodically determines that the distance is less than a predetermined threshold distance.