Vehicle Control Panel Flexible Piezoelectric Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control panels for vehicles lack robustness and ergonomic reliability in detecting pressing actions, particularly for equipment like rear window defrosting and stability control systems, as they often require deformation of rigid components which can lead to stress and inaccurate detection.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a flexible element between the piezoelectric sensor and the rigid supporting member allows for localized deformation of the trim element, reducing stress on the sensor and enhancing ergonomic feel, while maintaining robustness by preventing deformation of the rigid supporting member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid supporting member is used to support the piezoelectric sensor, then structural stability is improved, but stress concentration and detection accuracy deteriorate due to deformation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible element is introduced as an intermediary component between the rigid supporting member and the piezoelectric sensor. This flexible element deforms under user pressure, transmitting the force to the sensor without requiring the rigid supporting member to deform, thereby eliminating stress concentration while maintaining structural stability and ensuring accurate detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible element functions as a thin film or shell that can elastically deform under applied pressure. This flexible component absorbs the deformation requirement, allowing the rigid supporting member to maintain its structural integrity while still enabling the piezoelectric sensor to detect pressing actions accurately.
2Ease of operation
If the rigid supporting member deforms to enable sensor activation, then pressing detection is achieved, but stress concentration and component durability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible element serves as a mediator that absorbs the mechanical stress of pressing operations. It deforms elastically to activate the sensor while protecting the rigid supporting member from stress concentration, thereby maintaining both ease of operation and component durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible element changes its physical state (deforms) in response to applied pressure, allowing the system to detect pressing actions without subjecting the rigid supporting member to damaging stress levels. This parameter change enables reliable operation while preserving component integrity.
3Measurement precision
If the flexible element is made thinner to improve responsiveness, then detection sensitivity is improved, but structural integrity and manufacturing precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The thickness of the flexible element is optimized within a specific range (25-500 μm) to achieve the right balance between responsiveness and structural integrity. This parameter optimization allows the element to be thin enough for sensitive detection while remaining thick enough to maintain manufacturing feasibility and structural strength.
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 improves the ergonomic satisfaction and robustness of the control panel by allowing precise detection of pressing actions without deforming the rigid supporting member, enhancing user experience and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric sensor arranged between the trim element and the supporting member... The control button comprises a pressing detection element consisting of a piezoelectric sensor to change the equipment status
Implementation Method 2
the flexible element is preferably elastically compressible... As such, the flexible element actuates the piezoelectric sensor to a defined position
Data Source
AI summary
A control panel for a vehicle includes a flexible trim element, a rigid supporting member, a piezoelectric sensor arranged between the trim element and the supporting member, and a flexible element arranged between the piezoelectric sensor and the rigid supporting member.