Fabric-Integrated Capacitive Control Circuit With LED Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems lack intuitive and user-friendly interfaces for controlling various electrical components, such as HVAC, windows, audio, and seat positions, which can be inconvenient for users.
Innovation Solution
A circuit system using translucent or opaque conductive ink applied onto a flexible substrate, integrated with capacitive sensors and a controller, allows for user-activated control of electrical components through proximity sensing and LED illumination, embedded or printed onto vehicle interior materials like fabric or thermoplastic olefin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional vehicle control interfaces are used, then the control system is reliable, but the ease of operation is poor and user-friendly control is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control interfaces (buttons, switches, knobs) with capacitive sensing technology that detects changes in electrical capacitance caused by proximity or contact of conductive objects (such as jewelry, keys, or body parts). This substitution enables intuitive control without physical contact or complex mechanical structures, directly improving ease of operation while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system integrates multiple control functions into a single capacitive sensing interface that can detect various types of user interactions (proximity, contact, gestures) and control multiple vehicle functions (audio, climate, windows, locks). This multi-functional approach consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate controls into one unified system, improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Ease of operation
If capacitive sensors are integrated into fabric substrates, then the ease of operation is improved through intuitive control, but the manufacturing precision becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies conductive ink traces directly onto flexible fabric substrates, creating a flexible circuit system that conforms to the substrate's surface. This approach eliminates the need for rigid circuit boards and complex assembly processes, allowing the capacitive sensors to be manufactured directly on the flexible substrate using printing or coating techniques, thereby improving ease of operation while managing manufacturing precision requirements through appropriate material selection and process design.
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 user control of vehicle systems with capacitive sensors and LEDs, enhancing user experience by simplifying operations and providing visual feedback, while maintaining flexibility and durability.
Implementation Method 1
A capacitive sensor is actuated by user contact... the capacitive sensor is configured to detect a change in a capacitance signal in response to proximity or contact of a conductive object
Implementation Method 2
The capacitive sensor(s) can include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) for illuminating the capacitive sensor to indicate actuation by user contact
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a circuit system that connects capacitive sensors via clear ink to controllers for controlling certain functions. The circuit system may be adhered, printed, or embedded in fabric, thermoplastic olefin, or leather. The capacitive sensors may be illuminated by Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).