Haptic Input PCB Structure Using Deflectable Capacitive Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating devices with haptic feedback for motor vehicles require complex sensor devices to ensure reliable operation, which complicates the structure and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive sensor system using a rigid printed circuit board with a fixed and a deflectable printed circuit board area, where the input element actuates the deflectable area to change the distance between electrodes, altering capacitance, which is evaluated for input recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex sensor device is used to ensure haptic feedback and input recognition, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the capacitor structure directly into the printed circuit board by using conductive layers (such as copper traces) on the PCB to form the capacitor electrodes. This integration eliminates the need for separate discrete capacitor components and complex sensor devices, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the reliability of haptic feedback and input recognition through the capacitive sensing mechanism.
2Manufacturing precision
If the printed circuit board is made rigid, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to force application deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The printed circuit board is segmented into a first rigid area that maintains manufacturing precision and structural stability, and a second deflectable area that can adapt to applied forces. This segmentation allows the board to maintain overall rigidity for precise manufacturing while having a specific region that can deflect to enable capacitive sensing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The printed circuit board has different mechanical properties in different regions: the first area is rigid for manufacturing precision, while the second area is designed to be deflectable to adapt to force application. This local differentiation of mechanical properties allows the board to simultaneously achieve manufacturing precision and force adaptability.
3Reliability
If multiple components are used to ensure reliable operation, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor structure is merged directly into the printed circuit board using conductive layers, eliminating the need for separate discrete capacitor components. This integration reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable operation through the integrated capacitive sensing mechanism.
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
This solution simplifies the structure, reduces manufacturing costs, and enhances operational safety by using a few components, allowing for reliable and sensitive force detection with reduced mechanical stresses.
Implementation Method 1
the first printed circuit board area having a first electrode of a capacitor and the second printed circuit board area having a second electrode of the capacitor and that the input element is operatively connected to the second printed circuit board area in such a way that actuation of the input element deflects the second printed circuit board area relative to the first printed circuit board area, changing the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode
Implementation Method 2
a second printed circuit board area adjacent to the first printed circuit board area and deflectable relative to the first printed circuit board area
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4b
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The invention relates to an operating device 1 with an input element 2 with haptic feedback and with a rigid printed circuit board 4. For high operational safety and durability, it is proposed that the printed circuit board 4 has a stationary first printed circuit board region 8 and a second printed circuit board region 10 adjacent to the first printed circuit board region 8 and deflectable relative to said second circuit board region 8, wherein the first printed circuit board region 8 has a first electrode 12 of a capacitor and the second printed circuit board region 10 has a second electrode 14 of the capacitor, and that the input element 2 is operatively connected to the second printed circuit board region 10 such that an actuation of the input element 2 deflects the second printed circuit board region 10 relative to the first printed circuit board region 8 so as to vary the distance of the first electrode 12 from the second electrode 14.