Hidden Vehicle Switch Lamination With Haptic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle switches protrude from laminated or decorative surfaces, disrupting the seamless appearance and functionality, and often require additional expensive actuators for haptic feedback and triggering force.
Innovation Solution
A lamination arrangement with elastically deformable first and second layers allows a switch to be completely hidden under the laminated surface, providing a seamless integration while enabling haptic and acoustic feedback through mechanical switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional switches are attached onto laminated surfaces, then switching functionality is provided, but the laminated surface is interrupted and switches protrude out over the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The switch is nested within the lamination arrangement by placing it between the first and second layers. The switch housing is received in a recess of the second layer, allowing the switch to be completely hidden under the laminated surface while maintaining full switching functionality. This nesting approach resolves the contradiction by integrating the switch within the layered structure rather than attaching it to the surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second layers are made elastically deformable, allowing them to flex when force is applied to the visible side. This flexibility enables the transmission of actuation force to the hidden switch while maintaining a continuous, flush surface appearance. The elastic deformability of the thin film layers allows the surface to return to its original state after actuation, providing both surface continuity and switch functionality.
2Shape
If electroactive polymer switches or capacitive films are used to achieve flush termination, then surface continuity is improved, but haptic feedback and triggering force cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The elastically deformable first and second layers act as intermediaries that transmit mechanical force from the visible surface to the hidden mechanical switch. When force is applied to the visible side, the layers deform and transmit this force to actuate the switch. This intermediary mechanism allows the use of simple mechanical switches that provide haptic feedback and triggering force while maintaining a flush surface appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the layers by making them elastically deformable rather than rigid. This parameter change allows the layers to flex and transmit force dynamically, enabling the transmission of actuation force to the hidden switch while maintaining surface flushness. The elastic deformability parameter is key to achieving both surface continuity and haptic feedback capability.
3Ease of operation
If additional actuators and control devices are provided for haptic feedback, then haptic feedback functionality is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical switch provides haptic feedback and triggering force inherently through its own mechanical operation, without requiring additional actuators or control devices. The switch's internal mechanical components generate the haptic feedback naturally when actuated, allowing the system to serve itself and eliminate the need for expensive additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic actuator systems with a simple mechanical switch that naturally provides haptic feedback. By using the mechanical properties of the switch itself and the elastically deformable layers, the system eliminates the need for additional driven actuators, signal devices, and control electronics, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.
4Ease of operation
If switches are provided as separate elements, then switching functionality is achieved, but protection from moisture and dirt is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The switch is nested within the lamination arrangement, with the housing received in a recess of the second layer and the actuator extending through the layers. This nesting structure provides inherent protection from moisture and dirt by enclosing the switch components within the layered construction, while still allowing actuation from the visible side.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second layers form a protective barrier around the hidden switch, shielding it from environmental contaminants such as moisture and dirt. The elastic deformability of these film layers allows them to flex during actuation while maintaining the protective enclosure, thus protecting the switch components without compromising functionality.
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 allows for a cost-effective, visually appealing, and functionally enhanced integration of switches within vehicle components, providing effective protection from moisture and dirt while maintaining full switch functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second layer are elastically deformable such that by exertion of force on the visible side, the actuation is made possible of at least one switch that can be disposed at least partially under the second layer
Data Source
AI summary
A lamination arrangement for laminating a switch in a vehicle including at least one first layer that with one surface forms a visible side of the lamination arrangement, and at least one second layer. The at least one second layer is disposed opposite the visible side and at least partially under the first layer. The first and second layers are elastically deformable such that the actuation of at least one switch is made possible by exertion of force on the visible side. The at least one switch is disposed under the second layer.