Vehicle Contact Surface Press Detection Using UWB Reflections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capacitive sensors used in motor vehicles for detecting user presence and unlocking/locking functions are prone to false detections due to environmental conditions and are not compatible with certain handle materials, and integrating UWB communication and inductive sensors in the same handle is space and cost-intensive.
Innovation Solution
An ultra-wideband communication device with a transceiver located under the contact surface that detects a user's press by comparing the phase and amplitude of reflected waves with predetermined profiles, allowing for accurate detection of user input without the need for additional sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If capacitive sensors are used to detect user presence for unlocking/locking functions, then the detection capability is provided, but false detections occur due to environmental conditions and incompatibility with certain handle materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces capacitive sensors with an inductive sensor comprising a metal target and coil. This substitution uses electromagnetic induction principles instead of capacitive coupling, making the detection system immune to environmental factors like moisture and salt that cause false detections in capacitive systems. The inductive sensor also works compatibility with metallic paints and chromed surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from capacitive coupling to inductive coupling. By using a metal target that moves toward a coil, the system detects changes in inductance rather than capacitance. This parameter change fundamentally resolves the false detection issues associated with capacitive sensors in wet or salty environments and with metallic handle surfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If UWB communication device and inductive sensor are integrated in the same handle, then press detection capability is added, but space and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the UWB communication antenna and the inductive sensor coil into a single integrated structure within the handle. Both components share the same spatial footprint and manufacturing process, allowing the handle to perform both wireless communication and press detection functions without requiring separate dedicated spaces for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it houses both the UWB communication antenna and the inductive sensor coil, allowing a single component to perform wireless authentication and press detection. This multi-functionality reduces the overall device complexity and eliminates the need for additional separate sensors.
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
This solution reduces false detections and saves space and cost by integrating UWB communication and press detection functionality into a single device, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of unlocking and locking functions in motor vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
reception of reflected waves
Implementation Method 2
communication with said piece of equipment via ultra-wideband
Data Source
AI summary
A method for activating a vehicle function, by an activation device, from a user's “hands-free” access equipment. Activation of the function triggered by detection of a press of the user on a contact surface of the vehicle. The device includes at least one transceiver located under the contact surface able to communicate with the piece of equipment via ultra-wideband. The method includes: transmission of waves to the piece of equipment; reception of reflected waves; comparison, during a predetermined length of time of: i) values of the phase of the reflected waves with a predetermined phase-value profile exhibiting a phase rotation, and ii) values of the amplitude of the reflected waves with a predetermined amplitude-value profile exhibiting an increase in amplitude; detection of a press of the user on the contact surface depending on the result of the comparisons; activation of the vehicle function if the press has been detected.