Vehicle Door Handle Dual-Sensor Layout for Reliable Actuation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handle arrangements in vehicles lack the ability to accurately and efficiently detect actuations without requiring precise location-based pressing or pulling, leading to potential misactivation or inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A handle arrangement with two actuation sensors, a first proximity or touch sensor integrated in the actuating range and a second stroke sensor, such as a MoC sensor, arranged outside the actuating range, are signal-linked to ensure a trigger signal is generated only when both sensors detect an actuation, allowing actuation at any location and enhancing detection sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single actuation sensor is used in the handle arrangement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of actuation detection is insufficient and location-specific actuation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation detection function is segmented into two separate sensors: a first actuation sensor (capacitive touch sensor) integrated in the actuating range of the handle element to detect approach and initial contact, and a second actuation sensor (stroke sensor/MoC sensor) arranged on or in a stationary handle component to detect the actuation stroke. This segmentation allows each sensor to be optimized for its specific detection task, improving overall reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through functional division.
2Measurement precision
If the second actuation sensor is arranged inside the actuating range of the handle element, then the measurement precision of small actuation strokes is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced due to location constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the first actuation sensor as an intermediary that detects the approach and initial actuation of the handle element, triggering the activation of the second actuation sensor. This intermediary role allows the second sensor to be positioned optimally for measuring small strokes (on or in the stationary handle component) while the first sensor handles the user interaction aspect, maintaining ease of operation across the entire handle surface.
3Ease of operation
If actuation detection is location-specific, then the measurement precision at the sensor location is high, but the ease of operation is reduced as users must press or pull at specific locations
Solution Approach 1:
The handle arrangement achieves universal actuation detection by combining two sensors with different detection capabilities: the capacitive touch sensor provides broad surface coverage for detecting approach and contact at any location on the handle element, while the stroke sensor provides precise measurement of the actuation stroke. This multi-functional sensor system allows users to actuate the handle at any location while maintaining accurate detection of the actuation event.
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
Enables reliable and rapid actuation detection without specific location constraints, improving operational efficiency and design flexibility by allowing actuation at any point on the handle, reducing the risk of misactivation.
Implementation Method 1
The first actuation sensor is, for example, a proximity sensor and/or a touch sensor, in particular a capacitive sensor
Implementation Method 2
The second actuation sensor is, for example, a stroke sensor, in particular a capacitive stroke sensor, an induction sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An exterior door handle arrangement may have a handle element, a handle support, a first actuation sensor, which is arranged in an actuating range of the handle element, a second actuation sensor which is or can be arranged on or in a stationary handle component. The two actuation sensors may be signal-coupled to one another such that a trigger signal is or can only be generated when both actuation sensors detect an actuation.