Vehicle Interior Component With Conductive Foam Pressure Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automotive interiors rely on numerous physical control elements that can be cumbersome and inefficient for controlling various vehicle functions, lacking a seamless and intuitive user interface for occupants.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle interior component featuring a pressure-sensitive user interface with a sensor grid and controller, utilizing a compressible layer with conductive properties to detect pressure inputs and translate them into electrical signals for controlling vehicle systems, providing haptic, tactile, and visual feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional physical control elements (switches, buttons, dials) are used, then vehicle functions can be controlled, but the user interface becomes cumbersome and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical control elements (switches, buttons, dials) with a pressure-sensitive user interface that detects pressure inputs and translates them into electrical signals. This substitution eliminates the need for numerous physical controls while maintaining control functionality, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure-sensitive user interface serves multiple control functions through a single integrated system. Instead of requiring separate physical controls for different vehicle functions, the universal pressure-sensitive surface can detect various pressure patterns, locations, and durations to control multiple vehicle systems, thereby reducing the number of physical controls while improving ease of operation
2Productivity
If a pressure-sensitive interface with sensor grid is implemented, then control efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the pressure-sensitive properties of foam materials by incorporating conductive particles or carbon black, which change their electrical conductivity in response to applied pressure. This parameter change approach allows the foam to serve as both the compressible intermediate layer and the sensing element, integrating multiple functions into a single component that can be manufactured using conventional foam fabrication processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by incorporating conductive particles, carbon black, or other conductive additives into the foam matrix. This creates a composite foam material that combines the compressibility of foam with the electrical conductivity needed for sensing, enabling the intermediate layer to function as both a mechanical cushion and an electrical sensor without requiring separate manufacturing steps
3Measurement precision
If foam material with conductive properties is used in the intermediate layer, then pressure detection capability is enhanced, but material complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits the pressure-induced parameter changes in foam materials by incorporating conductive particles or carbon black, which alter their electrical conductivity when compressed. This allows the foam to provide pressure detection capability through its inherent compressible structure combined with conductive additives, enhancing measurement precision while avoiding the need for complex separate sensing mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by incorporating conductive particles or carbon black specifically within the foam material at the locations where pressure sensing is needed. This localized approach to adding conductive properties ensures that the foam provides both mechanical cushioning and electrical sensing functions precisely where required, improving pressure detection accuracy without unnecessarily complicating the overall material composition
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 intuitive and efficient control of vehicle functions through pressure-sensitive inputs, enhancing user experience by simplifying interactions with vehicle systems and reducing the complexity of physical controls.
Implementation Method 1
The foam material may be configured to comprise electrical properties. Electrical properties may comprise at least one of conductivity, resistance, compression-responsive electrical properties, variation in voltage.
Implementation Method 2
The foam material may comprise an additive. The additive may comprise at least one of an additive material, a conductive material, a conductive additive, conductive particles, carbon particles, carbon black particles, carbon dust
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle interior component providing a user interface for an occupant is disclosed. The component may comprise a base; a cover comprising a surface; an intermediate layer comprising a foam material; and a sensor to detect an electrical signal in response to input at the user interface, contact at the surface of the cover, or compression of the foam material. The foam material may comprise electrical properties, conductivity, resistance, compression-responsive electrical properties, or variation in voltage. The foam material may comprise an additive, an additive material, a conductive material, a conductive additive, conductive particles, carbon particles, carbon black particles, carbon dust, carbon particles in a substrate, or carbon particles interspersed with a non-conductive substrate. The foam material may comprise foam with conductive particles, carbon foam, carbon additive foam, polyurethane foam, or polyurethane with carbon particles. The cover may comprise a non-conductive material, leather, vinyl, textile, or fabric.