Vehicle Operating Interface With Temperature-Adjusted Actuation Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating devices for motor vehicles suffer from undesirable operating errors and insensitivity under unfavorable environmental conditions, particularly due to temperature variations across a wide temperature range.
Innovation Solution
An operating device with an evaluation unit that adjusts actuation thresholds based on temperature information, using integrated or external temperature sensors to compensate for temperature-dependent mechanical changes in the actuation mechanism, ensuring accurate detection of intentional operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the actuating device uses a fixed actuation threshold for distance detection, then the device structure remains simple, but the device produces false activations or operating errors under varying temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation unit dynamically adjusts the actuation threshold based on temperature information from a temperature sensor. As temperature changes, the threshold is modified to compensate for thermal expansion or contraction of the actuating device components, maintaining accurate detection across varying environmental conditions without requiring complex mechanical adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the temperature sensor continuously monitors the actuating device temperature, and the evaluation unit uses this information to adjust the actuation threshold in real-time. This closed-loop control ensures the device responds accurately to intentional actuations while ignoring false signals caused by thermal effects
2Measurement precision
If the actuation threshold is lowered to increase sensitivity, then the device detects smaller forces, but the device becomes more prone to false activations from environmental interference
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation unit adjusts the actuation threshold dynamically based on temperature conditions. When temperature varies, the threshold is modified to maintain optimal sensitivity while preventing false activations. This allows the system to use lower thresholds for detection sensitivity without permanently increasing false positive rates, as the threshold adapts to environmental conditions that would otherwise cause interference
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 false activations and maintains sensitivity by dynamically adjusting actuation thresholds according to temperature, enhancing reliability and robustness across varying environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Inductive sensors with an associated metallic target, in particular, utilize this detection principle. Capacitive sensors with an associated metallic conductor also react to changes in the distance between the plates of the resulting capacitance and enable the detection of such a change.
Implementation Method 2
The evaluation unit, which evaluates the distance signal of the detection circuit, acquires temperature information.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3
AI summary
An operating device (1; 11) for motor vehicles. The operating device comprises a housing (2; 20) with an actuating section (2a, 2b; 12) on the outside. A sensor device (5a, 5b, 4a, 4b; 15a, 15b) is integrated, which includes an electronic detection circuit (5a, 4a; 15a) and a separate metallic reference component (5b, 4b; 15b). Both components are galvanically isolated. The detection circuit (5a, 4a; 15a) generates a distance signal that depends on the distance between the detection circuit and the reference component. An evaluation unit (6; 16) generates an operating signal based on the distance signal when the distance signal exceeds a stored actuation threshold. In addition, the evaluation unit (6; 16) records temperature information and adjusts the actuation threshold based on this temperature information.