Vehicle Flap Capacitive Sensing With Time-Based Charge Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capacitive detection in vehicles for activating functions, such as opening flaps, is often technically complex and lacks accuracy and reliability due to limitations in sensor evaluation methods.
Innovation Solution
A measured value acquisition arrangement that includes a sensor element, a control device for parameter determination, and an electrical storage arrangement for charge transfer evaluation, utilizing temporal evaluation to improve resolution and reliability by measuring the state of charge over time, allowing for precise detection of activation actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sensor evaluation methods are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional charge transfer evaluation methods with a temporal evaluation approach using a counter unit that measures time intervals. This substitution transforms the evaluation mechanism from analyzing charge levels to measuring time-based parameters, achieving improved detection accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the evaluation parameter from charge level to time interval. By measuring the time required for a capacitor to charge or discharge rather than directly evaluating charge transfer, the system achieves higher measurement precision through temporal resolution while maintaining comparable technical effort
2Measurement precision
If temporal evaluation is implemented, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a counter unit as an intermediary component that measures time intervals between charge transfer events. This intermediary transforms the complex task of evaluating charge transfer accuracy into a simpler time measurement task, achieving high resolution detection with minimal additional technical effort
Solution Approach 2:
The counter unit serves multiple functions: it measures time intervals, evaluates charge state changes, and detects activation actions. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve improved resolution without adding proportionally complex dedicated components for each function
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
The solution provides high accuracy and reliability in detecting activation actions, offering improved resolution compared to conventional methods with comparable technical effort, enabling precise activation of vehicle functions like opening and unlocking flaps.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor element, such as a sensor electrode, can provide a variable capacitance that is specific to changes in the environment of the sensor element
Implementation Method 2
an electrical storage arrangement which is connected to the at least one sensor element for (at least one) charge transfer, wherein the (at least one) charge transfer is specific for the parameter of the sensor element
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a measurement acquisition arrangement (30) for a vehicle (1) for detecting an activation action for an activation, in particular an opening and/or unlocking, of a flap (1.3, 1.6) on the vehicle (1), comprising: - at least one sensor element (20) for detecting a change, in particular an approach by an activation means (3), in a vicinity of the sensor element (20), - a control device (300) for determining at least one parameter of the sensor element (20) specific for detection, in order to carry out the detection of the activation action, - an electrical storage arrangement (250) which is connected to the at least one sensor element (20) for charge transfer, wherein the charge transfer is specific for the parameter of the sensor element (20), wherein the control device (300) has a counter unit (35) which is connected to the storage arrangement (250) in order to evaluate a charge state of the storage arrangement (250) over time.