Interactive Vehicle Glazing With One-Sided Capacitive Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles face increased driver distraction and reduced accessibility of controls for occupants due to the proliferation of controls on the dashboard, with existing vehicle glazing solutions exposing electronic components to environmental degradation and wear.
Innovation Solution
A laminated vehicle glazing with integrated sensors and capacitive switch interfaces, protected by a shield, allowing manual operation from one side and connection to external devices, providing a visual indicator and illumination for control functionality, enabling control of vehicle functions from within or outside the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If controls are located on the dashboard for driver accessibility, then driver control accessibility is improved, but driver distraction increases and other occupants cannot access controls
Solution Approach 1:
The control functionality is extracted from the dashboard and relocated to the glazing. The sensor is integrated into the glazing structure, allowing controls to be accessed from alternative locations (window surfaces) rather than being confined to the dashboard, thereby reducing driver distraction while maintaining accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The glazing serves multiple functions: it acts as both a window/glazing element and a control interface. By integrating the sensor into the glazing, the same structural component provides both protective/transparent functions and control input functions, enabling multiple occupants to access controls from various locations.
2Ease of operation
If touch panel is provided on outer surface of window for control functionality, then control accessibility is improved, but electronic components are exposed to environmental degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is nested within the multi-layer glazing structure rather than being placed on the outer surface. The glazing layers (including PVB or EVA interlayers) encapsulate the electronic components, protecting them from environmental factors while maintaining touch sensitivity from the outer surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The glazing structure acts as a protective shell/film that encloses the sensor. The flexible yet durable glazing material (glass or plastic with interlayer) provides environmental protection while allowing capacitive or touch interaction from the outer surface, shielding components from weathering and physical damage.
3Ease of operation
If controls are accessible only from within vehicle, then interior control accessibility is improved, but exterior accessibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor can be configured with asymmetric accessibility - the sensing surface may be accessible from one side only (interior or exterior) depending on the application. The shield structure allows the sensor to detect touches from specific directions while remaining protected from the opposite side, enabling customized accessibility patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The control interface is extended to the glazing surface, adding a new spatial dimension for control access. Instead of being limited to the dashboard plane, controls are now accessible from the vertical glazing surfaces, allowing exterior access through the window from outside the vehicle.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple controls are provided on dashboard for functional elements, then functional control capability is improved, but dashboard complexity and driver distraction increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control functions are merged into the glazing structure. Instead of having separate dashboard controls for different functions (windows, locks, mirrors, etc.), these controls are integrated into the glazing surface, consolidating control elements and reducing dashboard clutter while maintaining full functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control interface is relocated from the horizontal dashboard plane to the vertical glazing surface, utilizing a different spatial dimension. This redistributes controls to underutilized surface area, reducing dashboard complexity while preserving all control functions through the glazing interface.
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
Reduces driver distraction by relocating controls from the dashboard, enhances accessibility for all occupants, and protects electronic components from environmental damage by integrating them within the glazing.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor which is manually operable by the presence of a user's hand contacting or proximal to at least one of the panes
Data Source
AI summary
A laminated vehicle glazing comprising: at least two glazing panes laminated together by at least one interlayer therebetween; at least one sensor which is manually operable by the presence of a user's hand contacting or proximal to at least one of the panes; at least one shield associated with the at least one sensor whereby the at least one sensor is manually operable by the presence of a user's hand from only one side of the vehicle glazing; and at least one connector electrically connected to the at least one sensor connectable to an external device for control of the external device by manual operation of the at least one sensor.