Capacitive Operating Device with Spring-Return Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle operating devices lack haptic feedback and high electrical sensitivity, making it difficult to precisely detect actuation of operating elements and providing unclear operation confirmation to operators.
Innovation Solution
An operating device with a measuring unit having a first and second electrode, where the electrodes are moved relative to each other upon actuation, and a restoring device returns the operating element to a zero position, enhancing sensitivity and providing haptic feedback without additional electrical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a capacitive force sensor is used without haptic feedback, then electrical sensitivity can be improved, but the operator cannot confirm device operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a haptic feedback mechanism through a spring element that provides tactile resistance to the operating element. When the operating element is actuated, the spring element deforms and returns the element to its initial position, creating a perceptible haptic sensation for the operator. This feedback loop allows the operator to confirm device operation through tactile sensation while maintaining the electrical sensitivity of the capacitive force sensor.
2Reliability
If the operating element is returned to zero position by a restoring device, then reliability of return to zero position is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element serves a dual function: it provides haptic feedback to the operator and simultaneously acts as a restoring device that automatically returns the operating element to its zero position. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate restoring devices or additional electrical components, maintaining mechanical simplicity while achieving reliable return to zero position.
3Device complexity
If no additional electrical components are used for restoring, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces potential electrical restoring mechanisms with a purely mechanical spring element system. The spring element provides both the restoring force and haptic feedback through mechanical deformation, eliminating the need for additional electrical components. This mechanical substitution reduces device complexity while the spring's inherent elasticity compensates for manufacturing tolerances.
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 solution increases the electrical sensitivity and precision of actuation detection, ensures reliable return to the zero position, and provides haptic feedback, allowing operators to confirm device operation with improved resolution and reduced component complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The capacitive force sensor has a base body, a flat, elastically yielding membrane body and two spacers arranged at a distance from one another between the base body and the membrane body... The first and the second electrode define a measuring capacitor with a measuring capacitance that changes with the action of the force.
Implementation Method 2
The membrane body is allowed to sag and a first electrode is provided on the free end... When a force acts on the membrane body in the area between the spacers, the membrane body is allowed to sag
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to an operating device (3) for operating at least one device (5) of a motor vehicle (1), comprising an operating element (4) and a measuring unit (6, 6') which has a first electrode (7) and a second electrode (8) which are movable relative to each other depending on an actuation of the operating element (4) from a zero position (22) of the operating element (4), and which, depending on a distance (A) between the first electrode (7) and the second electrode (8) a value of a physical parameter can be detected by the measuring unit (6, 6') and, depending on the value, the device (5) can be operated, wherein the operating device (3) has a coupling element (11) which is motionally coupled to the operating element (4) and to the first electrode (7), and the operating device (3) has a reset device (15) which is coupled to the operating element (4) in such a way thatthat the control element (4) can be returned from a deflected position (23) to the zero position (22) by the return device (15), and in the zero position (22) the two electrodes (7, 8) are pressed together and aligned parallel to each other by a pre-tensioned state of the return device (15).