Vehicle Lock Unlocking With Illuminated Hand Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing unlocking devices for vehicle elements, such as doors and hoods, require manual effort and key-based operation, making them inconvenient and time-consuming, especially for users seeking to open movable vehicle elements like vehicle doors or hoods.
Innovation Solution
An unlocking device equipped with a detection unit and a lighting unit that automatically unlocks the locking mechanism when an object, like a user's hand, is detected within the illuminated detection region, allowing for keyless actuation and intuitive opening of the vehicle element, reducing installation space by omitting traditional locking mechanisms like catches and pawls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual key-based operation is used for unlocking, then the locking mechanism is secure and reliable, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring manual effort and key handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical key-based unlocking system with an automatic detection and lighting system. The detection unit senses the user's approach or hand position, and the lighting unit illuminates the detection region, enabling keyless operation. This substitution eliminates the need for manual key handling while maintaining security through automated control of the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The unlocking system performs self-service by automatically detecting the user's presence or hand insertion and triggering the unlocking sequence without requiring manual key insertion or manipulation. The system serves itself by using sensors to detect user intent and automatically activating the lighting and unlocking mechanisms, reducing the need for direct user interaction with traditional locking components.
2Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms like catches and pawls are included, then the reliability of the locking system is improved, but the installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or removes the traditional mechanical locking components (catches and pawls) from the handle region by implementing an automatic unlocking system. The detection unit and lighting unit are positioned in the handle region, and when activated, they trigger the unlocking of the locking mechanism without requiring the physical presence of traditional locking components in that specific area, thereby reducing installation space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of detection, lighting, and unlocking control into an integrated system. The detection unit, lighting unit, and locking mechanism are combined into a unified automatic unlocking system that operates as a single functional unit, reducing the overall installation space compared to separate traditional locking components.
3Ease of operation
If automatic detection and lighting units are added, then the ease of operation is improved through keyless actuation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection unit and lighting unit serve multiple functions: the detection unit not only senses user presence or hand insertion but also triggers the lighting sequence, and the lighting unit both illuminates the detection region and provides visual feedback to the user. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting unit is activated in advance or simultaneously with the detection of the user's hand, preparing the detection region for optimal sensing conditions before the unlocking sequence is initiated. This preliminary action ensures that the detection system operates under optimal lighting conditions, improving reliability while maintaining a streamlined component structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An unlocking device for unlocking a lock of a movable vehicle element, in particular a vehicle door, a vehicle front hood and/or a vehicle tailgate is described. The device may have at least a detection unit for detecting at least one approaching object, and a lighting unit that may have an illumination region for illuminating a detection region of the detection unit. The lighting unit and/or the detection unit becoming or being activated at least when the locking mechanism is or has been brought into the pre-latching position.