Capacitance Switch Protrusion Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrostatic capacitance switch apparatuses for vehicles do not effectively convey the feeling of pressing the switch to operators, making it difficult for them to confirm successful operation.
Innovation Solution
A switch apparatus design featuring a protrusion on the pressing section close to the electrostatic capacitance sensor, with a specific clearance and hardness, and an insert molding method to enhance tactile feedback, allowing for effective realization of the pressing operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a protrusion is added to the pressing section to improve tactile feedback, then the operator's awareness of pressing action is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A protrusion is introduced as an intermediary element between the pressing section and the operator's finger. This protrusion mediates the interaction by providing a localized contact point that concentrates the pressing force and creates noticeable tactile feedback, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and effectiveness of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire pressing section complex, the invention applies local quality by adding a protrusion only at the specific location where tactile feedback is needed. This localized modification provides enhanced operator awareness without requiring complex changes to the overall device structure.
2Ease of operation
If the pressing section is made harder to provide tactile feedback, then the operator can feel the pressing action, but the displacement at contact point decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the hardness parameter of the pressing section to a specific range (25-70 on the A-scale durometer). This parameter change balances the competing requirements: the material is hard enough to provide tactile feedback through the protrusion but soft enough to allow sufficient displacement (0.5-1.8 mm) for effective operation.
3Speed
If the clearance between pressing section and sensor is reduced to improve responsiveness, then the detection speed is improved, but the tactile feedback is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the interaction into two distinct phases: a first clearance (0.3-2.0 mm) that provides tactile feedback during the pressing action, and a second, smaller clearance (0.01-0.3 mm) between the protrusion tip and sensor that ensures rapid detection. This segmentation allows both tactile feedback and fast responsiveness to be achieved simultaneously.
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 design significantly improves operator awareness of the pressing action, providing a favorable tactile experience and ensuring the operation is effectively recognized, while preventing unnecessary force on the sensor.
Implementation Method 1
an electrostatic capacitance switch apparatus that detects variation of an electrostatic capacitance caused by touching or pressing of a pressing region
Implementation Method 2
the pressing section is made of a rubber-like elastic body
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The present invention makes it possible for an operator to more effectively realize that a pressing region was pressed. A switch apparatus (1) has a pressing section (2) that is formed of a rubber-like elastic material and has a pressing region (2a) that is pressed in a predetermined pressing direction; and a capacitance sensor (6) for detecting the pressing of the pressing region (2a) on the basis of capacitance. The capacitance sensor (6) is positioned apart from the pressing section (2) in the pressing direction, and is configured so that when the pressing region (2a) is not being pressed, a space (clearance) is maintained between the part (the lowermost surface (22a) of a protruding section (22)) of the pressing section (2) on the side towards the capacitance sensor (6) corresponding to the pressing region (2a) and another member (base housing (4)) disposed in the vicinity of the pressing region along the pressing direction, said space (clearance) allowing the part on the side towards the capacitance sensor (6) to move in the pressing direction.