Vehicle Lock Unlocking with Hand Detection and Pre-Latch Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle unlocking systems require manual operation and key-based mechanisms, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially for users with mobility or dexterity issues, and do not provide intuitive or automated unlocking solutions.
Innovation Solution
An unlocking device with a detection unit and lighting system that automatically unlocks vehicle elements like doors or hoods when a user's hand is detected within a specific area, allowing for keyless operation and intuitive opening, using a combination of capacitive sensors, actuators, and Bowden cables to transition the locking mechanism between primary, pre-locking, and unlocking positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual key-based unlocking is used, then the locking mechanism is reliable, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to mobility or dexterity issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical key-based unlocking system with an automated detection and actuation system. The detection unit (capacitive sensor) detects the user's hand approach, and the actuator automatically actuates the locking mechanism without requiring manual key insertion or manipulation, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining system reliability through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The unlocking system performs the unlocking action automatically upon detecting the user's hand in the detection area. The system serves itself by autonomously determining when unlocking is needed and executing the unlocking sequence without human intervention beyond the initial hand approach, eliminating the need for users with mobility issues to manually operate keys or locks
2Device complexity
If traditional rotary latches and pawls are used, then the locking mechanism is secure, but the device complexity increases and installation space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the traditional rotary latch and pawl components from the unlocking system. By removing these mechanical elements and replacing them with an actuator-based system controlled by a detection unit, the device complexity is reduced while the locking security is maintained through the automated actuation mechanism that directly controls the locking elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the complex mechanical rotary latch and pawl system with a simpler actuator-based mechanism. The actuator directly actuates the locking elements (such as hooks or latches) without requiring the intermediate mechanical components of a rotary latch system, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable locking through direct actuation control
3Ease of operation
If automated detection and unlocking is implemented, then the ease of operation improves, but the use of energy increases due to detection unit and lighting activation
Solution Approach 1:
The detection unit and lighting unit are activated periodically or on-demand based on the detection of a hand approaching the detection area, rather than remaining continuously active. The lighting provides guidance during the unlocking sequence and can be deactivated after a set time or when the hand is detected, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining ease of operation through automated activation only when needed
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 automatic and intuitive unlocking of vehicle elements, reducing time and effort, allowing users to open movable vehicle parts manually or automatically, while providing a compact design by eliminating the need for traditional rotary latches and pawls.
Implementation Method 1
detection unit (5) having a detection area (5.1) in order to detect at least one object (O) approaching the detection area (5.1) or located in the detection area (5.1) or moving
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The invention relates to an unlocking device (1) for unlocking a lock (2) of a movable vehicle element (FE), particularly a vehicle door, a vehicle front hood and/or vehicle tailgate, comprising at least: - a detection unit (5) for detecting at least one approaching object (O), and - a lighting unit (6) having an illumination region (6.1) for illuminating a detection region (5.1) of the detection unit (5), wherein the lighting unit (6) and/or the detection unit (5) become or is/are activated at least when the locking mechanism (3) becomes or is placed (V) in the pre-latching position.