Capacitive Interface Molded Interconnect Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic input interfaces, particularly those using capacitive detection technology, are expensive to manufacture due to the need for precise assembly and substrates, limiting their widespread adoption and integration into complex shapes.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a dielectric base with metallized antennas forms a molded interconnection device, eliminating the need for separate substrates and enabling precise component positioning, allowing for cost-effective mass production and integration into various shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional separate substrate and antenna assembly is used, then good detection of user hand is achieved, but manufacturing cost is high and assembly is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the substrate and antenna into a single integrated structure where the flexible substrate itself serves as the antenna element. The conductive traces are directly patterned on the flexible substrate, eliminating the need for separate antenna components and their associated mounting hardware. This integration maintains detection reliability while significantly reducing assembly complexity and manufacturing cost.
2Reliability
If traditional separate substrate and antenna assembly is used, then good detection of user hand is achieved, but manufacturing cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the substrate and antenna functions into a single component, reducing the total part count and assembly steps. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating separate production lines for substrates and antennas, reducing inventory management complexity, and enabling more efficient mass production, thereby lowering overall manufacturing cost while maintaining detection reliability.
3Reliability
If button shape is kept simple and flat, then fixing retention is good, but interface adaptability to complex shapes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible substrate that can dynamically adapt its shape to match complex button geometries. The substrate's flexibility allows it to conform to three-dimensional surfaces and irregular shapes while maintaining reliable electrical connections. This dynamic adaptability enables the interface to be integrated into various button designs without compromising fixing retention or detection performance.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used, then component functionality is specialized, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the substrate, antenna, and electronic circuit connections into a single unified structure. The conductive traces are directly patterned on the flexible substrate during the same manufacturing process, ensuring precise relative positioning without requiring post-assembly alignment. This integration maintains specialized functionality while eliminating the need for high-precision positioning operations that would be required with separate 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
This approach simplifies and cost-reduces the manufacturing process while ensuring precise operation and adaptability, enabling the creation of interfaces with complex shapes for intuitive user interaction, such as in motor vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
capacitive object detection technology... using two antennas, which together form a kind of capacitor... to detect electrical variations when an object (for example the hand of a user) approaches the antennas
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to an electronic input interface (10) comprising: a dielectric base (11), one face (11A) of which is arranged to be accessible to the user; and a capacitive sensor (12) located at a distance from the aforementioned face and comprising at least two different antennas (14, 15). According to the invention, the dielectric base and the two antennas form a moulded interconnect device (MID).