Vehicle Handle Module With Inductive Button Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor units integrated in vehicle handles or grip recesses face limitations in functionality due to incorrect contacting of sensor elements, leading to unreliable long-term performance and complex mechanical and electrical fastening issues.
Innovation Solution
A modular component with a carrier housing, a key unit featuring deformable activation elements, and an integrated electronic unit with inductive and capacitive sensor functions, along with optional lighting, designed for direct attachment to vehicle parts, ensuring reliable and extended service life with improved sensor and lighting functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical mounting and electrical interconnection of sensor elements are used, then the sensor unit can be integrated into vehicle handles, but the mechanical and electrical fastening becomes complex and unreliable in the long term
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sensor element mounting and electrical connection into a single integrated structure. The sensor element is directly mounted on the carrier housing with its electrical contacts simultaneously established, eliminating the need for separate mechanical and electrical fastening operations. This integration reduces complexity while improving long-term reliability by ensuring consistent electrical contact throughout the service life of the sensor unit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensor elements are integrated into handles for contactless operation, then user authorization can be verified, but the functionality is limited by faulty contact of sensor elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based sensing with inductive sensing technology. The inductive sensor detects changes in the magnetic field caused by the presence and movement of metallic objects (such as keys or electronic tags), enabling contactless operation while eliminating the reliability issues associated with mechanical contact. This substitution maintains adaptability for various authentication methods while significantly improving contact reliability.
3Ease of operation
If activation elements are arranged on the button cap, then user activation action can be detected, but the sensor unit functionality remains limited by contact reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact switches with inductive sensors for detecting user activation. The inductive sensor detects the presence and position of activation elements (such as metallic buttons or touch surfaces) through electromagnetic field changes, enabling reliable detection of user actions without mechanical contact. This ensures consistent functionality throughout the service life while maintaining ease of operation for various activation methods.
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 modular component provides reliable, intuitive, and comfortable operation with extended service life, simplified manufacturing and assembly, and enhanced sensor and lighting functions, addressing the limitations of existing sensor units.
Implementation Method 1
the electronic unit has an inductive sensor unit for detecting an activation action on the button unit
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a modular component (100) for a movable part (201) of a vehicle (200), comprising: - a carrier housing (10) for attaching the modular component (100) to the movable part (201) of the vehicle (200), - a button unit (20) for actuating the movable part (201) of the vehicle (200), wherein the button unit (20) has a button cap (21) designed to receive an activation action, in particular a touch and/or force exerted by a user, wherein two activation elements (24) are arranged on the button cap (21) to detect the activation action of the user, - and an electronic unit (30) for providing sensor functions when the movable part (201) of the vehicle (200) is actuated, wherein the electronic unit (30) is attached to the carrier housing (10).and wherein the electronic unit (30) has an inductive sensor unit (31) for activation action detection at the keypad unit (20).