Door Handle Proximity Sensor Layout for Higher Capacitive Sensitivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional door handle devices with capacitive proximity sensors face limitations due to the small substrate size, which restricts the electrode region, affecting sensitivity and accuracy in detecting targets.

Innovation Solution

The design separates the electrodes and detection parts across two substrates, allowing for a larger electrode region on one substrate and improved sensitivity, while a flexible connecting member reduces bending stress and the use of encapsulating parts enhances waterproofness and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the substrate size is increased to provide a larger electrode region, then the sensitivity and accuracy of target detection is improved, but the device becomes larger and harder to accommodate in the door handle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidsubstrate area

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the sensor system into two separate substrates: a first substrate for housing the electrodes and a second substrate for housing the detection part. This segmentation allows each substrate to be optimized independently - the first substrate can have a larger area to accommodate bigger electrodes for improved detection accuracy, while the overall device size is controlled by the compact integration of both substrates in the door handle assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If the electrodes and detection part are co-located on a single substrate, then the device structure is simpler, but the electrode region is limited by the substrate size

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode region areaVSAvoidsubstrate structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the electrode assembly and detection part onto different substrates, allowing the first substrate to be dedicated entirely to housing large-area electrodes without the space constraints imposed by integrating the detection circuitry on the same substrate. This segmentation resolves the conflict between maximizing electrode area and maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid connecting member is used to connect the two substrates, then the structure is more stable, but bending stress is increased during assembly and installation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesubstrate connection stabilityVSAvoidbending stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible connecting member to join the first and second substrates. This flexible connector can bend and deform during assembly and installation processes, significantly reducing bending stress on the substrates and connected components. The flexible connection maintains structural stability while accommodating the mechanical stresses of installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Ease of manufacture

If the connecting member extends outside the projected area of the substrates, then the connection is more accessible for assembly, but the overall device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly accessibilityVSAvoiddevice footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the connecting member to be disposed within the projected area of the first and second substrates, nesting the connection structure within the footprint of the main components. This eliminates the need for the connecting member to extend beyond the substrate boundaries, maintaining a compact device footprint while still providing adequate accessibility for assembly through the stacked arrangement of substrates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 configuration enhances the sensitivity and accuracy of target detection, reduces stress on components, and improves waterproofness, leading to a more effective and reliable proximity sensor in door handle devices.

Implementation Method 1

a signal from the at least one first electrode changes in response to a change in a first capacitance caused by a detection target approaching to the first detection space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS11405036B2Proximity sensor and door handle device including the same

Publication Date: 2022.08.02 HOSIDEN CORP

AI summary

A proximity sensor including a first substrate, a second substrate, a first connecting member, at least one first electrode, and a detection part. The first substrate is disposed in the vicinity of a first detection space. The second substrate is disposed on an opposite side of the first substrate to the first detection space. The second substrate faces the first substrate. The first connecting member connects the first substrate and the second substrate. The at least one first electrode is provided on the first substrate and configured such that a signal from the at least one first electrode changes in response to a change in a first capacitance caused by a detection target approaching to the first detection space. The detection part is provided on the second substrate and configured to detect the approach of the detection target based on the signal from the at least one first electrode.