Capacitive Knob-on-Display Interface for Multi-Mode Vehicle Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle-mounted display devices with one-way pressing knobs limit their range of applications due to lack of versatile interaction capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A display device incorporating a touch display panel with a knob featuring a conductive contact pad and a conductive ring that allows for various contact modes, including point and plane contacts, enabled by different capacitance changes, which are detected by integrated touch sensing units and pixel units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a one-way pressing knob is used on the display device, then the structure is simple, but the range of applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The knob is designed with both a conductive ring and a conductive contact pad, enabling it to perform multiple functions: rotation detection through the conductive ring and pressing detection through the conductive contact pad. This multi-functional design allows a single knob structure to support various interaction modes including rotation, pressing, and combined operations, thereby expanding the range of applications without proportionally increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sensing elements (conductive ring and conductive contact pad) into a single integrated knob assembly. The conductive ring is disposed on the outermost edge of the housing while the conductive contact pad is embedded in a groove, and both work together within the same knob structure to detect different user inputs, merging multiple sensing functions into one unified component
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional encoders or printed circuit boards are added to enhance knob functionality, then the interaction capabilities are improved, but the structure becomes more complex and fabrication processes are more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive ring and conductive contact pad are designed to work passively with the existing touch sensing units of the display panel. The conductive materials naturally interact with the capacitive touch sensing mechanism without requiring additional active components like encoders or separate control circuits. This self-service approach leverages the existing system capabilities to achieve enhanced functionality while avoiding complex fabrication processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical encoding mechanisms with capacitive sensing based on conductive materials. Instead of using mechanical encoders that require precise mechanical assembly and multiple circuit boards, the invention uses the electrical properties of conductive materials (ring and pad) to detect rotation and pressing actions through capacitance changes, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining or enhancing interaction capabilities
3Reliability
If the conductive ring is always in contact with the touch display panel, then the sensing capability is continuous, but the gap required for rotation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing function is segmented into two distinct components: the conductive ring for rotation detection and the conductive contact pad for pressing detection. The conductive ring is disposed on the outermost edge allowing it to maintain a gap for rotation while still providing continuous sensing capability through its conductive properties. The conductive contact pad is embedded in a groove to provide stable pressing detection. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function without compromising the other
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 a wide range of interactive effects and functionalities, integrating display driving, timing control, and knob rotation identification using a single driver chip, simplifying structure and fabrication processes without additional encoders or printed circuit boards.
Implementation Method 1
Different contact modes create different levels of capacitance changes
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a touch display panel and a knob. The touch display panel includes a plurality of touch sensing units and a plurality of pixel units. The pixel units are configured to form a display image. The knob is disposed on the touch display panel. The knob includes a housing, a conductive contact pad, and a conductive ring. The conductive contact pad is disposed on a surface of the housing that is adjacent to the touch display panel and in contact with the touch display panel. The conductive ring is disposed on the surface of the housing. When the housing is not pressed, the conductive ring is separated from the touch display panel. When the housing is pressed, the conductive ring is in contact with the touch display panel.