Elastomeric Seal for Haptic Panel Movement and Dust Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Haptic control devices for motor vehicles face challenges in achieving tightness due to the movements of the tactile panel relative to the support, particularly when exposed to dust and liquid, which is difficult to seal effectively.
Innovation Solution
A seal is arranged on the periphery of the tactile panel, comprising an inner portion in tight contact with the panel, an outer portion in contact with the support, and an elastically deformable connecting portion that absorbs relative displacements, made of silicone material with a sinusoidal profile to maintain haptic effect and prevent dust and liquid penetration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a seal is added to prevent dust and liquid penetration, then tightness is improved, but the tactile panel movement freedom deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is made of elastomeric material that forms a flexible barrier between the tactile panel and support. This flexible membrane prevents dust and liquid penetration while accommodating the relative movements of the tactile panel through its inherent elasticity and deformability.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal's elastomeric properties allow it to change its physical state dynamically - remaining relatively rigid at rest to maintain sealing, but becoming more compliant during tactile panel movement to preserve haptic effects. The material's viscoelastic characteristics enable it to adapt its stiffness based on the applied forces and movement conditions.
2Reliability
If the seal is made more rigid to improve sealing, then tightness is improved, but the haptic effect deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric seal forms a flexible barrier that maintains sealing integrity while allowing the tactile panel to perform its haptic movements. The flexibility of the elastomeric material ensures that the seal does not overly dampen or restrict the panel's motion, preserving the intended haptic feedback effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal combines elastomeric properties with a specific geometric profile (including a bearing portion and a sealing portion) to create a composite structure that simultaneously provides rigid sealing contact and flexible movement accommodation. This composite approach integrates both sealing rigidity and movement flexibility within a single component.
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 seal effectively prevents dust and liquid ingress while allowing sufficient tactile panel movement, maintaining the haptic effect and providing a compact, efficient sealing solution.
Implementation Method 1
a connecting portion that extends between the inner portion and the outer portion and is elastically deformable so as to absorb the relative displacements of the tactile panel relative to the peripheral wall of the support
Data Source
AI summary
Haptic control device that includes a tactile panel mounted movably relative to a support including a peripheral wall, characterized by the fact that a seal is arranged on the periphery of the tactile panel in an annular space situated between the tactile panel and the peripheral wall of the support, the seal including: an inner portion in tight contact with the tactile panel, an outer portion in tight contact with the peripheral wall of the support, and a connecting portion that extends between the inner portion and the outer portion and is elastically deformable so as to absorb the relative displacements of the tactile panel relative to the peripheral wall of the support without removing the haptic effect produced by the movements of the tactile panel.