Vehicle Proximity Sensing With Floating Electrodes in Tight Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle sensor systems face challenges in achieving high sensor surface density and effective sensing areas due to interference from metal components and the need for physical connections, which limits their functionality and installation in tight spaces.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a proximate sensor system that uses an electrically floating sensing surface, not physically connected to the controller, which establishes an additional sensing zone through its position relative to a primary sensor, allowing for increased sensing area and density without altering existing sensor layouts or connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor mat with physical electrical connections is used for occupancy detection, then reliable signal transmission is achieved, but sensor surface density and sensing area are limited due to wiring constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical connection requirement from the sensing surface itself. The sensor mat is decoupled from direct electrical connections by introducing a shield mat that carries the electrical signals, allowing the sensor mat to be fully dedicated to sensing without wiring constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The shield mat serves as an intermediary between the sensor mat and the controller. It carries the electrical signals from the sensing loops without interfering with the sensing function, enabling extended sensing areas without additional wiring complexity
2Measurement precision
If a shield mat is added to block interference from metal components, then sensing accuracy is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shield mat performs multiple functions simultaneously: it shields the sensor mat from electromagnetic interference from metal components, serves as a return path for electrical signals, and can be integrated with existing vehicle structures. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity despite adding a component
3Manufacturing precision
If sensor density is increased by stitching more wires closer together, then sensing resolution is improved, but risk of wire damage and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing function is segmented into sensing loops on the sensor mat, while the electrical connection function is separated onto the shield mat. This allows high-density sensing loops to be stitched without the constraints of traditional wiring, as the shield mat provides a robust separate pathway for electrical signals
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 solution enhances sensing capabilities by providing extended sensing zones in previously inaccessible areas, improving hand and occupant detection sensitivity while maintaining existing manufacturing benefits and avoiding the complexity of additional electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
The electrical field generated by the first electrode induces a corresponding charge on the second electrode
Implementation Method 2
proximity of a conductive material on or near the first or second electrode alters the electrical signal received back by the controller from the first electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor system includes a first electrode serving as a primary electrode with a controller electrically and physically coupled to the first electrode. Computer executable instructions execute software commands on the controller causing the controller to apply a voltage to the first electrode to generate an electric field around the first electrode. A second electrode has at least a portion of the second electrode being disposed within the electrical field generated by the first electrode, and the second electrode operates while being physically decoupled from the controller. The electrical field generated by the first electrode induces a corresponding charge on the second electrode, and proximity of a conductive material on or near the first or second electrode alters the electrical signal received back by the controller from the first electrode to allow for sensing the conductive material.