Capacitive Gesture Recognition Integrated into Vehicle Roof Console

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle gesture recognition systems occupy additional space on the front windshield or roof, requiring modifications to the roof trim structure, which compromises driving safety and convenience.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a capacitive gesture recognition module into a vehicle roof console, utilizing existing space for roof illumination and sunroof control, without additional mounting space or modification to the windshield or roof trim.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a capacitive gesture recognition system is added to the vehicle, then gesture recognition function is improved, but additional mounting space is occupied and roof trim structure modification is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegesture recognition functionVSAvoidmounting space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The capacitive gesture recognition module is merged with the existing roof console structure. The gesture recognition components are integrated into the console housing, combining two separate functions (gesture recognition and roof console) into a single unified structure, thereby eliminating the need for additional mounting space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The roof console is designed to serve multiple functions: it maintains its original role as a roof console while simultaneously housing the capacitive gesture recognition module. This multi-functionality allows the same structural space to fulfill both purposes without requiring separate mounting locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If gesture recognition components are mounted on the roof, then gesture control capability is improved, but the front windshield or roof space is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegesture control capabilityVSAvoidspace occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The gesture recognition components are merged into the existing roof console volume rather than being mounted separately on the roof or windshield. This integration utilizes the already-allocated space within the console structure, avoiding additional space occupation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional components are added to the vehicle roof, then gesture recognition function is improved, but modification to roof trim structure is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegesture recognition functionVSAvoidroof trim structure modification
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The gesture recognition module is designed as an integrated part of the roof console assembly that can be manufactured and installed as a single unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate modifications to the roof trim structure, as the entire assembly with embedded gesture recognition components can be installed together.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The roof console is designed as a modular assembly that can be independently manufactured and installed without modifying the underlying roof trim structure. This segmentation allows the gesture recognition functionality to be added through a self-contained module rather than requiring structural changes to the vehicle body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 safe and convenient vehicle operation by allowing drivers to control vehicle appliances with hand gestures without distracting from driving, while maintaining the original console functionality and ease of assembly and maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

recognizes the gesture and movement of a hand of the driver by sensing the change in the capacitive field caused by the driver's hand gesture and movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive field sensing: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3321134B1Vehicle roof console integrated with capacitive gesture recognition module
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3321134B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3321134B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3321134B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A vehicle roof console comprises a mounting cover (2) fixed to a roof trim (3) of a vehicle, an operation panel (1) assembled to the mounting cover (2), a roof illumination module (6) mounted to a middle portion of the operation panel (1), and a capacitive gesture recognition module having a frame type configuration, mounted on the operation panel (1) around the roof illumination module (6) and being independently of the roof illumination module (6).