Cover Touch Seat Switch With Haptic Feedback and Easy Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power seat switch units in vehicles are complex, difficult to assemble, costly, and detract from the quality feel due to exposed injection-molded materials and mismatched textures, leading to user dissatisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A cover type touch switch structure incorporating a proximity sensor and touch sensor with a haptic actuator, LED, and a light-transmissive cover unit made of transmissive PU artificial leather, which provides improved user feedback and quality through capacitive sensing and vibration, enhancing user convenience and assembly ease.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional power seat switch unit with multiple rotary knobs and switches is used, then the seat control function is achieved, but the number of components is large and assembly is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple rotary knobs and switches into a single integrated touch switch unit with a unified housing. The touch sensor panel integrates multiple control functions (seat position, backrest angle, cushion angle) that were previously separated into multiple physical knobs and switches, reducing component count and simplifying assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The single touch switch unit performs multiple functions previously requiring separate controls. The touch sensor panel detects different touch positions and patterns to control various seat adjustments, making one component replace multiple specialized controls.
2Ease of manufacture
If the switch is made of injection-molded material and located at the side surface of the seat back, then the control function is provided, but a sense of quality is deteriorated due to a sense of difference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material qualities to different parts of the switch assembly. The touch sensor panel is covered with leather or leather-like material that matches the seat upholstery, while internal components use injection-molded materials. This localized application of high-quality materials improves the overall aesthetic perception.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover unit is made from material that matches the seat's upholstery material, creating a homogeneous appearance. The leather or leather-like covering on the touch switch panel blends seamlessly with the surrounding seat surfaces, eliminating the sense of difference and improving overall aesthetic quality.
3Ease of operation
If the switch is wrapped with transmissive TPO fabric, then the touch function is achieved, but a sense of quality is deteriorated when applied to the seat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces TPO fabric with leather or leather-like material that matches the seat upholstery. This creates a homogeneous appearance across the seat surface, eliminating the aesthetic mismatch while preserving the touch-sensitive functionality of the control panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch switch assembly uses composite construction with a touch-sensitive substrate combined with a leather or leather-like skin. This composite structure maintains the electrical and tactile functionality while achieving the desired aesthetic quality through the outer material layer.
4Ease of manufacture
If the switch is assembled to a hard part using screws, then the mounting function is achieved, but it is not suitable for assembly between foam pads
Solution Approach 1:
The switch housing incorporates multiple mounting method options within a single component design. It can be mounted using traditional screw fastening to hard surfaces or inserted into and secured within foam pad structures, making the same component adaptable to different mounting locations and surface types.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting mechanism allows for parameter changes in installation method depending on the application context. The housing design accommodates both rigid mechanical fastening and flexible foam embedding, enabling the same switch unit to be installed in various positions and structural environments.
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 simplifies assembly, reduces costs, and enhances user experience by providing clear feedback through haptic operations and a unified aesthetic with the seat, preventing malfunctions and improving the overall quality perception.
Implementation Method 1
a proximity sensor configured to generate a sensing output signal in response to user approach
Implementation Method 2
a touch sensor configured to generate a touch output signal in response to a user touch
Implementation Method 3
a haptic actuator configured to vibrate simultaneously when a function of the seat is performed
Data Source
AI summary
A cover type touch switch structure includes: a seat housing embedded in a seat of a vehicle so as to be fastened to a seat frame; a switch housing disposed in the seat housing and including an outer surface which is coupled to the seat housing via a hook; a light-emitting unit which is disposed in the switch housing and stacked on the seat frame; and a knob unit which has a portion disposed in the switch housing and is stacked on the light-emitting unit.