Fiber Composite Capacitive Switch With Embedded Sensor Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle components made of fiber composite materials lack integrated functional capabilities beyond low mass and high rigidity, such as contactless proximity detection, which is typically achieved through visible printed conductor tracks that need to be applied behind the component, influencing its material properties.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive proximity switch integrated within a fiber composite body, comprising an electrically nonconductive matrix with embedded electrically conductive fibers acting as sensor electrodes, allowing for contactless proximity detection and position analysis without visible conductor tracks, enabling a two-dimensional or three-dimensional user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If printed conductor tracks are applied to achieve capacitive proximity detection, then proximity detection function is achieved, but the conductor tracks become visible and the film must be applied behind the component
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the conductor tracks directly into the fiber composite material during manufacturing, combining the structural component with the sensor function into a single integrated element. This eliminates the need for separate film application and makes the conductor tracks invisible within the composite material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses fiber composite materials where conductive fibers are embedded in a non-conductive matrix to create the sensor electrode. This composite structure provides both the mechanical properties of the component and the electrical functionality of the sensor, while keeping the conductor tracks invisible within the material.
2Shape
If printed conductor tracks are applied behind the component to hide them, then visibility is resolved, but the material of the component cannot influence the switch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the conductor tracks with the fiber composite material itself, allowing the component material to directly influence the capacitive proximity switch. The fiber composite body becomes both the structural element and the sensor medium, enabling material property optimization for both mechanical and sensing functions.
3Weight of moving object
If fiber composite material is used for vehicle components, then low mass and high rigidity are achieved, but integrated functional capabilities such as proximity detection are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the fiber composite material multi-functional by embedding conductive fibers to provide capacitive proximity detection capability. The same component that provides structural support and low mass now also serves as the sensor medium, eliminating the need for separate sensor components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sensor function directly into the fiber composite structure, combining mechanical support and sensing capabilities in a single integrated component. This approach maintains the low mass and high rigidity benefits while adding intelligent functionality.
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 accurate proximity and position detection, facilitating controls like volume or light intensity adjustments within the vehicle components without compromising their material properties, by embedding capacitive proximity sensors within the fiber composite structure.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor electrode and the further sensor electrode each comprise at least one electrically conductive fiber... for the contactless proximity detection of an object at a capacitive proximity sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A capacitive proximity switch has a fiber composite body, which has an electrically non-conductive matrix and a multiplicity of fibers embedded in the matrix. The capacitive proximity switch includes at least one first capacitive proximity sensor, at least one second capacitive proximity sensor and one or more sensor evaluation devices. The first capacitive proximity sensor has at least one sensor electrode, which has at least one electrically conductive fiber, which is embedded in the matrix. The second capacitive proximity sensor has at least one further sensor electrode, which has at least one electrically conductive fiber, which is embedded in the matrix. The sensor electrode of the first capacitive proximity sensor and the further sensor electrode of the second capacitive proximity sensor are each connected to a sensor evaluation apparatus.