Conductive Rod Proximity Detector for Automotive Interfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing electrical connection methods for proximity detectors, such as ribbon cables and rods, are costly and restrictive, particularly in motor vehicle equipment, limiting the cost-effectiveness and flexibility of human-machine interfaces.

Innovation Solution

A conductive rod with a conductive spring provides a simple and inexpensive electrical connection between the detection antenna and the printed circuit, allowing for flexible and tolerant spacing adjustments, which can be either rigid or flexible with springback capability, and includes mechanical support elements for enhanced stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a ribbon cable connector is used to electrically connect the detection antenna and the printed circuit, then the electrical connection is ensured, but the manufacturing cost increases and the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the complex ribbon cable connector from the system, replacing it with a simple conductive rod that directly connects the detection antenna to the printed circuit. This removal of unnecessary complexity reduces manufacturing cost while maintaining electrical connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a simple, inexpensive conductive rod instead of an expensive ribbon cable connector. The conductive rod is a basic metallic element that can be easily manufactured and integrated, significantly reducing the overall manufacturing cost of the proximity detector while ensuring reliable electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If a ribbon cable connector is used to electrically connect the detection antenna and the printed circuit, then the electrical connection is ensured, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidconnection structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the complex ribbon cable connector from the system, replacing it with a simple conductive rod. This extraction of unnecessary complexity simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining the essential electrical connection function between the detection antenna and printed circuit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the electrical connection function directly into the structural assembly by using a conductive rod that is integrated into the device housing or mounting structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate complex connectors and reduces the overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If a rigid rod is used to connect the detection antenna and the printed circuit, then the electrical connection is ensured, but the adaptability to spacing variations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidspacing adjustment flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible conductive rod instead of a rigid one, allowing the connection element to dynamically adapt to spacing variations between the detection antenna and printed circuit. The flexibility enables the rod to bend and accommodate manufacturing tolerances and assembly variations while maintaining reliable electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of the conductive rod from rigid to flexible, allowing it to deform and adapt to different spacing conditions. This parameter change enables the connection to accommodate variations in distance between components without compromising electrical connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution reduces manufacturing costs and enhances the flexibility and reliability of proximity detectors in motor vehicle equipment by ensuring effective electrical connections while accommodating varying spacings between components, improving the overall efficiency and usability of human-machine interfaces.

Implementation Method 1

The conductive spring surrounding the conductive rod, the conductive spring having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end being in contact with the detection antenna and the second end being in contact of the printed circuit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3080914B1Detecteur de proximite

Publication Date: 2020.10.28 VALEO SYST THERMIQUES SAS

Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 2d~3

AI summary

According to one aspect, the invention relates to a proximity detector (10) of a motor vehicle device (Eq), the proximity detector (10) comprising: - a detection antenna (1) generating a detection signal when a user (U) is in the proximity of said device (Eq); - a printed circuit (2) processing the detection signal in order to command an action of said device (Eq); - and a conducting rod (3) for electrical connection of the detection antenna (1) to the printed circuit (2).