3D Vehicle Interior Controls Using Conductive Plastic Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle interior control systems face limitations due to the complexity and cost of traditional electromechanical controls, which restrict ergonomic design and are prone to failure from dust and water ingress, while capacitive touch technologies are expensive and incompatible with 3D profiles, limiting user interaction and driver safety.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system using conductive plastic sensing electrodes with a non-conductive plastic cover, allowing for seamless integration into 3D surfaces, reducing manufacturing costs through frictional engagement with a connection circuit board, and enhancing ergonomic design with customizable user interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electromechanical control elements are used, then mechanical functionality and reliability are achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to multiple sub-parts and standardized actuating mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple traditional control element components (actuating mechanism, electronic components, housing) into a single integrated control element made of conductive plastic material. The control element functions as both the sensing element and the actuating mechanism, eliminating the need for separate mechanical components and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses conductive plastic material that combines electrical conductivity with mechanical properties in a single material. This composite material allows the control element to function both as an electrical sensor and a mechanical actuator, reducing the need for multiple separate components and simplifying the overall device structure.
2Ease of operation
If traditional electromechanical control elements are used, then functional control is achieved, but ergonomic design freedom is limited by mechanical constraints of materials and components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the control element by using conductive plastic material with adjustable electrical and mechanical properties. This allows the control element to be designed in various shapes, sizes, and configurations without being constrained by traditional mechanical component limitations, enabling better ergonomic design freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive plastic control element can be designed with flexible and deformable structures that adapt to ergonomic requirements. The material's inherent flexibility allows for dynamic shaping and positioning to optimize user interaction while maintaining functional performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If capacitive touch sensitive control elements are used, then re-configurability and cost reduction are achieved, but compatibility with 3D profiled surfaces is lost limiting user interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses conductive plastic material that maintains electrical conductivity while being formable into 3D profiles. This composite material property allows the control element to be molded into raised tactile buttons, rotary knobs, and push-pull buttons that provide both capacitive touch sensitivity and 3D ergonomic shaping for enhanced user interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive plastic control elements can be molded into curved and 3D profiles such as raised buttons, rotary knobs, and tactile features. These curved geometries maintain electrical continuity while providing ergonomic shapes that enhance user interaction and are compatible with 3D profiled vehicle interior surfaces.
4Ease of manufacture
If capacitive touch sensors are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but sophisticated fabrication techniques and expensive materials are still required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional expensive capacitive sensor materials to conductive plastic that can be manufactured using standard injection molding techniques. This parameter change maintains the capacitive sensing function while dramatically simplifying the fabrication process and reducing material costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex capacitive sensor fabrication processes with simpler plastic injection molding. The conductive plastic is molded directly into the final control element shape, eliminating the need for sophisticated fabrication techniques such as thin-film deposition, photolithography, or assembly of multiple electronic components.
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
The system provides cost-effective, ergonomic, and reliable 3D profiled touch and pressure-sensitive interfaces that can be easily integrated into vehicle interiors, improving user interaction and safety by reducing the number of components and eliminating the need for hard wiring, while maintaining high sensitivity and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The sensing electrode is configured to provide one or more electrical signals... In a control element of a first type the one or more electrical signals are provided in response to a change in capacitance (e.g. of the sensing electrode) caused by contact and/or movement of a conductive object on/over the non-conductive material
Implementation Method 2
The sensing electrode is configured to electrically connect to a connection circuit board by means of mechanical and/or frictional engagement... The non-conductive cover material may provide one or more touch interactive surfaces of the control element
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(i)
AI summary
A control system (1000) for a vehicle interior comprises a control element (100, 200) for a user to interact with. The control element comprises a conductive plastic sensing electrode (10) configured to provide one or more electrical signals and a non-conductive plastic cover material (20) provided on or over the sensing electrode. The sensing electrode is configured to be electrically connectable to a connection circuit board (400) by means of mechanical and/or frictional engagement for measuring the one or more electrical signals. The one or more electrical signals are provided in response to a change in capacitance caused by contact and/or movement of a conductive object and/or a pressure or force applied on/to the non-conductive material on/over the sensing electrode. The control system is connectable to an electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle for controlling one or more user controllable vehicle functions in response to the user interaction with the control element.