Capacitive Vehicle Control Element With Intermediary Scanning Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle operating devices with touch panels face damage from encoder elements moving on the surface, leading to wear and scratches, and there is a need for an operating device that can be manually operated without affecting the touch panel's surface.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive touch panel with a control unit featuring a translationally or rotationally movable operating element and a plate-shaped holding element with a scanning path of alternating conductive and insulating sections, where the operating element includes a wiper or slider that detects movement without direct contact with the touch panel, using a latching device with elastic elements for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If encoder elements are used to detect the position of the operating element on the touch panel surface, then movement detection is enabled, but the touch panel surface is damaged and worn over time
Solution Approach 1:
A holding element with alternating conductive and insulating sections is introduced as an intermediary between the operating element and the touch panel surface. This holding element carries the scanning path with detection sections, enabling movement detection without direct contact between encoder elements and the touch panel surface, thus preventing surface damage while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical encoder elements that physically contact the touch panel surface are replaced by a capacitive detection system. The holding element with alternating conductive and insulating sections creates capacitive coupling with the touch panel, allowing position detection through electrical field interaction rather than mechanical contact, thereby eliminating wear and surface damage
2Ease of operation
If the operating element is positioned at various points on the touch panel, then usability is improved, but the risk of surface damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element serves as a mediator that carries the operating element and its detection sections across the touch panel surface without direct contact. This allows the operating element to be positioned at various points on the touch panel for improved usability, while the holding element protects the surface from mechanical damage by absorbing all contact forces
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a holding element with alternating conductive and insulating sections is used, then surface protection is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the holding element: it provides mechanical support for the operating element, carries the scanning path with detection sections, protects the touch panel surface, and enables capacitive detection. By combining these functions into a single integrated component, the overall device complexity is reduced despite the sophisticated functionality required for surface protection and detection
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
This solution prevents mechanical impairment of the touch panel's surface, allows for precise movement detection, and supports various positioning of the control element, enhancing usability and reducing assembly costs while maintaining the touch panel's integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive touch panel, which has a top side with a touch-sensitive surface
Implementation Method 2
a latching device with at least one elastic or reversibly movable latching element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The operating device for a vehicle is equipped with a capacitive touch panel (16) having a top surface (58) with a touch-sensitive surface, and an operating unit (18, 18') comprising a movable, manually detectable control element (22, 22') with an electrically conductive surface and a plate-shaped mounting element (24) having a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, on which the control element (22, 22') is movably arranged and which in turn is arranged on the touch-sensitive surface of the top surface of the touch panel (16). The control element (22, 22') has at least one wiper (32) electrically connected to its electrically conductive surface, which slides along a scanning track (54) on the top surface of the mounting element (24) when the control element (22, 22') is moved.The retaining element (24) has alternating first sections (50) and second sections (52) along the scanning track (54). The upper and lower sides of the retaining element (24) are electrically connected to each other in the first sections (50) and electrically insulated from each other in the second sections (52).