Hands-Free Vehicle Rear Closure via Wireless Proximity Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hands-free rear closure systems for vehicles are expensive to install and difficult to use, especially for users in certain footwear or carrying items, as they require balancing on one foot and making sweeping motions.
Innovation Solution
A wireless access control system that uses a mobile communication device to control a rear closure via short-range wireless communication, determining user proximity through authentication and actuation zones, and generating control signals to open the closure without manual intervention, while also incorporating collision avoidance and alert mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional foot-kicking detection system is used for hands-free rear closure operation, then the rear closure can be opened without hand contact, but the system becomes expensive to install and integrate with other vehicle components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical foot-kicking detection system with a wireless communication-based system. The mobile communication device transmits signals wirelessly to the vehicle's controller, which then actuates the rear closure. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical sensors and integration, reducing installation complexity while maintaining hands-free operation capability.
2Ease of operation
If wireless communication modules and zone-based authentication are implemented for control, then hands-free operation with improved usability is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the universal presence of mobile communication devices in modern vehicles and society. By using a widely adopted wireless communication standard, the system achieves multi-functionality: it provides access control, authentication, and actuation all through a single common device interface. This universality reduces the need for proprietary or specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite the added functionality.
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 convenient, hands-free operation of the rear closure, improving usability by allowing users to maintain balance and mobility, and integrating safety features to avoid collisions and provide user alerts.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless communication module having a wireless interface configured for short range wireless communication
Data Source
AI summary
An access control system for a vehicle includes a rear closure and a system that controls movement of the rear closure between closed and open positions. The control system including a controller and a wireless communication module having a wireless interface configured for short range wireless communication. The controller receives an actuation signal requesting transition of the rear closure to an open position from a mobile communication device carried by a vehicle user. The controller then determines when the user enters authentication and actuation zones proximate the vehicle via communication between the wireless communication module and a short range wireless communication device carried by the user. One the user is within the actuation zone, the controller generates a rear closure control signal configured to cause the rear closure to move from the closed position to the open position.