Vehicle Optical Detector for Hands-Free Panel Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle detection systems require physical contact or free hands to open movable panels, and lack efficient means to prevent unauthorized access and detect obstacles, increasing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A detection device using optical detectors to identify authorized persons and detect obstacles, switching functions to allow hands-free operation and prevent collisions by sending warning signals when obstacles are detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical contact or free hands are required to open movable panels, then unauthorized access can be prevented, but hands-free operation is not available and user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detector is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting approach for contactless opening activation and detecting obstacles to prevent collisions. This multi-functionality allows the system to provide hands-free operation while maintaining safety through authorized access verification and obstacle detection
Solution Approach 2:
The optical detector acts as an intermediary between the user and the movable panel, enabling contactless activation through approach detection. It mediates the opening command without requiring physical contact, while still maintaining security through authorized person verification
2Reliability
If separate detection means are added for obstacle detection, then collision prevention is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical detector performs dual functions: detecting approach for contactless opening and detecting obstacles for collision prevention. This eliminates the need for separate detection means, reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining collision prevention capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the approach detection function and obstacle detection function into a single optical detector system. By combining these functions, the system achieves collision prevention without adding separate detection means, thereby reducing overall system complexity
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 hands-free opening of movable panels while ensuring authorized access and preventing collisions by reusing optical detectors for both approach detection and obstacle avoidance, reducing overall system costs and enhancing safety.
Implementation Method 1
at least one optical detector (3) configured for detecting the approach of a person
Implementation Method 2
detecting function of an obstacle at a predefined distance of the vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a detection device (1) for a motor vehicle (V1) comprising at least one optical detector (3), said at least one optical detector (3) being configured for detecting the approach of a person (U) in a predefined area in the vicinity of the vehicle in order to activate opening command means of a device for opening a movable panel (5, 7) of the vehicle (V1). According to the invention: - said detection device (1) comprises switching means for switching the function of the at least one optical detector (3) to a detecting function of an obstacle (V2) at a predefined distance of the vehicle (V1) when the identifier of an authorized person (U) is detected inside the vehicle (V1) and the vehicle movable panels (5, 7) are closed, and wherein - said detection device (1) comprises processing means configured to react depending on a detection of an obstacle (V2) by the optical sensor (3). The invention also relates to corresponding methods for detecting obstacles and for opening a movable panel of the motor vehicle.