Flexible Vehicle Interior Operating Element Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional operating elements in vehicle interiors require separate components for sensing and signaling, which are not easily integrated into flexible materials and can distract drivers due to their placement and operation.
Innovation Solution
An operating element integrated into a flexible material with an electroluminescent layer between conducting layers, functioning as both a capacitive sensor and light source, allowing for intuitive operation through capacitive changes and optical signals without separate components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional operating elements are used in vehicle interiors, then sensing and signaling functions are provided, but separate components are required and integration into flexible materials is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines sensing and signaling functions into a single integrated layer system consisting of conducting layers and electroluminescent layers. This single structure serves both as a capacitive sensor for detecting operating actions and as a light source for providing optical feedback, eliminating the need for separate sensing and signaling components.
Solution Approach 2:
The layer system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a capacitive sensor for touch detection, as a light source for optical signaling, and as an integrated operating element that can be directly incorporated into flexible vehicle interior linings. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
2Ease of operation
If conventional operating elements are installed in vehicle interiors, then functional control is provided, but cutouts in surfaces are necessary for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The operating element is constructed as a flexible layer system that can be conformally integrated into vehicle interior linings without requiring rigid mounting or cutouts. The flexible nature of the layer system allows it to be installed on curved or irregular surfaces while maintaining full functionality.
3Reliability
If separate sensing and signaling components are used, then distinct functions are provided, but more electric components are necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate sensing and signaling components into a single integrated layer system where conducting layers serve as both sensor electrodes and the electroluminescent layers provide both sensing medium and light emission, reducing the total number of electric components while maintaining functional reliability.
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 seamless integration into vehicle interiors without surface modifications, providing intuitive operation and feedback through adjustable brightness and duration, enhancing user experience and safety by simplifying control of functional components.
Implementation Method 1
the electroluminescent layer can also be excited into light emission by an electric continuous or alternating field applied between the conducting layers
Implementation Method 2
a voltage is applied to the two conducting layers, and therefore a capacitive element is formed together with the electroluminescent layer. The film can be used as a sensor to sense a measurable change in the capacitance occurs caused by pressure or contact
Data Source
AI summary
An operating element for a vehicle interior is integrated in a flexible material and comprises an electroluminescent layer arranged between a first conducting layer and a second conducting layer. The arrangement of the first conducting layer, the second conducting layer and the electroluminescent layer is configured to be operable as a capacitive sensor.