Motor Vehicle Sensor Lighting Segmentation for Soiling Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle tailgate opening systems using optical markers are unreliable when the lighting device becomes soiled, making it difficult for users to determine the correct foot movement to trigger the tailgate opening.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a sensor housing and a separate lighting device that can be independently positioned on the vehicle, with the lighting device arranged higher than the sensor housing to minimize soiling and dirt accumulation, and integrated into a vehicle lamp to utilize existing light sources for generating a luminous marking on the floor surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lighting device is integrated into the sensor housing and positioned close to the ground, then the detection area can be reliably marked, but the lighting device becomes susceptible to soiling and dirt accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the lighting device from the sensor housing into two independent components. The sensor housing remains integrated with the detection sensor, while the lighting device is mounted separately on a different vehicle component (such as the bumper or body panel). This segmentation allows the lighting device to be positioned higher and in a location less susceptible to soiling, while the sensor housing maintains its optimal position for detection. The two components work together cooperatively to solve the contradiction between reliable marking and resistance to soiling.
2Illumination intensity
If the lighting device is positioned close to the ground for effective marking, then the luminous marking is clearly visible, but the device is more likely to become dirty and obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The invention resolves the contradiction by changing the spatial dimension of the lighting device's position. Instead of placing the lighting device at ground level (zero dimension), it is mounted on a higher vehicle component such as the bumper or body panel (elevating it to a higher dimension). This vertical displacement maintains effective marking visibility while reducing exposure to dirt and debris that accumulate at ground level. The lighting device projects its beam downward to mark the detection area, achieving both visibility and soiling resistance through dimensional repositioning.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor device is mounted on a component close to the ground, then detection of body parts is more reliable, but the component is more likely to become soiled affecting the sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the sensing and lighting functions into separate mounted locations. The sensor housing with the detection sensor is mounted on a component close to the ground (such as the rear bumper or tailgate) to maintain optimal detection accuracy for body parts. The lighting device is separately mounted on a different component that is less susceptible to soiling. This segmentation allows each component to be optimally positioned for its specific function while minimizing the impact of soiling on overall system performance.
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
Ensures reliable detection and marking of the detection area on the floor surface, even in dirty conditions, by maintaining the integrity of the light emission and reducing the likelihood of soiling, thus enhancing user experience and system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor element is arranged in the housing which, in the intended first installation position of the housing, has a detection range extending towards a ground surface
Implementation Method 2
The lighting device is designed to create a spot of light or a luminous marking by emitting light into an area of the floor surface covered by the detection range
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for a motor vehicle (1). A sensor device (4) has a housing (18) which is designed to be attached to a first component (10) of the motor vehicle (1) in a first installation position and in which at least one sensor element (20) is arranged, which in the first installation position of the housing (18) has a detection area (6) extending towards a floor surface (7) of an environment (5) of the motor vehicle (1) and is designed to generate a sensor signal dependent on the presence of an object (F), in particular a body part (F) of a user, in the detection area (6). A lighting device (11) is designed to generate a luminous marking (12) by emitting light (17) in a part (9) of the floor surface (7) detected by the detection area (6).The lighting device (11) is designed to be arranged outside the housing (18) of the sensor device (4) in or on a second component (15) of the motor vehicle (1) that is different from the first component (10).