Vehicle Capacitive Sensor Connection Testing for Reliable User Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor devices for capacitive detection of user actions in vehicles face challenges with unreliable electrical connections, high technical complexity, and increased costs, making it difficult to distinguish between faulty connections and lack of user action detection.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device with a test connection adjustment on the outer conductor element allows for a functional test of the sensor device through an electrical circuit, using a single electrical conductor for normal operation and two conductors for testing, simplifying the design and ensuring reliable electrical connection verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a test connection is integrated into the sensor element structure, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The test connection adapter integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides both the test connection pathway and the evaluation connection pathway through the same structural element (the adapter). The adapter combines test connection points and evaluation connection points in one integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate test and evaluation connection components.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter serves multiple purposes: it enables functional testing of the sensor device through test connection points, provides evaluation connections for capacitive detection, and maintains structural integrity of the sensor element. This multi-functional design allows a single component to handle both testing and operational evaluation functions.
2Reliability
If separate test and evaluation connections are provided, then connection verification is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter merges test connection functionality and evaluation connection functionality into a single manufactured component. By integrating both connection types in one adapter rather than producing separate test adapters and evaluation adapters, the manufacturing process is simplified and costs are reduced while still providing both connection verification and evaluation capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If multiple conductors are used for testing, then testing accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter acts as an intermediary that manages the complexity of multiple conductors. It provides structured connection points (test connection points and evaluation connection points) that organize the multiple conductors in a systematic way, making the testing process more manageable while maintaining the accuracy benefits of using multiple conductors for comprehensive testing.
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 provides a cost-effective and simplified method for reliable capacitive detection of user actions, enhancing comfort and security by ensuring correct electrical connections and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
capacitive detection of a user action
Implementation Method 2
at least one insulating element for the electrical insulation of the outer conductor element and/or the inner conductor element
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor device (100) for capacitively detecting a user action in a vehicle (1), comprising a sensor element (110) designed as an electrical conductor element, wherein the sensor element (110) has: - an electrically conductive outer conductor element (112), - at least one insulating element (120) for electrically insulating the outer conductor element (112), - an evaluation connection fitting (20) on the outer conductor element (112) for electrically connecting the outer conductor element (112) to an evaluation device (210) of the vehicle (1), thereby enabling detection. A test connection fitting (10) is provided on the outer conductor element (112) to perform a functional test of the sensor device (100) using an electrical circuit with the outer conductor element (112).