Integrated Sensor Damping for Compact Shift Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shift control elements face challenges in compactness due to the space requirements of sensors and restoring elements, which limits their integration in limited spaces, such as those found in modern control surfaces in motor vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a damping and/or restoring element within the sensor, which serves as both a mechanical damping component and an electrical sensor electrode, allowing for capacitive sensing and reducing the number of individual parts, thereby saving space and enhancing haptic feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate sensor and damping/restoring elements are used, then functional reliability is improved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the damping/restoring element and sensor into a single integrated component. The sensor is formed using the damping element itself as one electrode (first sensor electrode) and a contact surface as the other electrode (second sensor electrode), eliminating the need for separate sensor and damping components while maintaining both damping function and sensing capability.
2Reliability
If multiple individual parts are used, then functional reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single component structure. The damping element serves dual purposes: providing mechanical damping/restoring force and acting as an active sensor electrode. This integration reduces the number of parts, simplifies assembly, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable operation.
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 design enables a compact, functionally reliable, and cost-effective shift control element that provides optimal sensory detection and evaluation of force input, reducing installation space and maintaining reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
the damping and/or restoring element is designed as an elastic element, in particular in the form of a spring element
Implementation Method 2
The change in distance between the two sensor electrodes caused by the movement of the damping and/or restoring element can change the capacitance of the sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a shift operating element (1), in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising an actuation surface (4) which can be moved by a manual application of force by means of an element, wherein the element is the finger of a human hand in particular. The shift operating element (1) comprises a sensor (6) which interacts with the actuation surface (4) such that the sensor (6) generates a signal when the actuation surface (4) is moved by the element. In particular, the signal is used to shift and/or trigger a function in the manner of a shift signal. A mechanical damping and/or restoring element (7) is provided which interacts with the actuation surface (4) when the actuation surface is moved. The mechanical damping and/or restoring element (7) is part of the sensor (6), in particular the mechanical damping and/or restoring element (7) is integrated into the sensor (6).