Steering Wheel Bifacial Transparent Touch Wall
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for detecting driver commands through the steering wheel lack flexibility and can compromise road safety, as they often require releasing the wheel or obstruct the driver's view, especially with translucent touch-sensitive zones.
Innovation Solution
A translucent touch-sensitive steering wheel with a single capacitive detection sheet that detects the thumb on the front surface and other fingers on the rear surface, allowing for control gestures without releasing the wheel and maintaining visibility, using a matrix array and guard ring configuration for precise detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If translucent touch-sensitive zones are used on the steering wheel, then touch detection capability is improved, but the driver's view through the steering wheel is substantially affected
Solution Approach 1:
The touch-sensitive wall is divided into multiple independent touch zones (first touch zone on front surface, second touch zone on rear surface) that can be detected separately by the single capacitive detection sheet, allowing selective activation and reducing overall visual obstruction
Solution Approach 2:
A single capacitive detection sheet serves multiple functions: detecting touches on the front surface, detecting touches on the rear surface, and maintaining transparency for driver visibility, eliminating the need for separate detection layers for each surface
2Adaptability or versatility
If control buttons are placed in the spokes of the steering wheel, then control functions are provided, but flexibility is reduced due to dedicated button assignments
Solution Approach 1:
The touch-sensitive wall with a single capacitive detection sheet provides a universal control interface that can detect multiple finger positions and gestures, replacing dedicated control buttons with a flexible multi-functional touch zone that adapts to different control needs
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static dedicated buttons to a dynamic touch-sensitive surface that can detect and respond to various finger positions, gestures, and interaction patterns, providing adaptable control functionality
3Measurement precision
If the driver uses index finger for precise control gestures, then gesture precision is improved, but the hand must be released from the steering wheel rim
Solution Approach 1:
The detection capability is extended to the rear surface of the touch-sensitive wall, allowing the driver to use the thumb (on front surface) and another finger (on rear surface) simultaneously for precise gestures while maintaining grip on the wheel
Solution Approach 2:
The touch-sensitive wall is segmented into front and rear surfaces with distinct touch zones, enabling independent detection of thumb position on the front surface and other finger position on the rear surface, facilitating precise dual-finger gestures
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 drivers to make control gestures with their thumbs and fingers while keeping hands on the wheel, enhancing safety and reducing visual obstruction, with improved detection accuracy and robustness against electromagnetic interference.
Implementation Method 1
a single capacitive detection sheet that is configured to detect the presence and a position of a thumb on the front surface and the presence of at least one other finger on the rear surface
Data Source
AI summary
A steering wheel for a motor vehicle, including at least one translucent touch-sensitive wall, arranged on the inside of the rim of the steering wheel, the touch-sensitive wall having a front surface and a rear surface, the touch-sensitive wall includes a single capacitive detection sheet that is configured to detect the presence and a position of a thumb on the front surface and the presence of at least one other finger on the rear surface.