Interactive Vehicle Glazing with Shielded Capacitive Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles face increased driver distraction due to numerous controls on the dashboard, and existing solutions for integrating controls into vehicle glazing are prone to environmental degradation and limited accessibility for occupants other than the driver.
Innovation Solution
A laminated vehicle glazing with integrated sensors and capacitive switch interfaces, protected by a shield, allows for 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 integrated into the window glazing, then driver distraction is reduced and accessibility for all occupants is improved, but the controls are exposed to environmental degradation from the external surroundings
Solution Approach 1:
The control interface is moved from the traditional dashboard plane to the vertical plane of the window glazing. This dimensional relocation allows occupants to access controls from multiple sides of the vehicle (interior and exterior), improving accessibility while the controls remain protected within the laminated structure of the glazing itself, avoiding direct exposure to environmental degradation.
2Ease of operation
If the touch panel is provided on the outer surface of the window, then controls are accessible from outside the vehicle, but the touch panel is exposed to environmental degradation and weathering
Solution Approach 1:
The control interface elements (conductive layers, touch-sensitive components) are nested within the multi-layer laminated structure of the window glazing. This nesting allows the controls to be accessed from the outer surface while being physically protected by the surrounding laminate layers, which shield them from environmental factors such as weathering, UV exposure, and physical damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The window glazing itself acts as a protective shell that encloses the control interface. The laminated structure provides a durable, weather-resistant barrier that protects the sensitive electronic components while maintaining the flexibility and transparency needed for the window's primary function and for touch interaction.
3Ease of operation
If controls are located on the dashboard for driver accessibility, then driver control is convenient, but controls become less accessible to other occupants and create driver distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The window glazing is transformed into a multi-functional element that serves both as a transparent barrier and as a control interface for vehicle functions. This universal design allows the same surface to provide both optical functionality (visibility, weather protection) and control functionality (access to vehicle systems), eliminating the need for separate dashboard control panels and making the controls universally accessible to all occupants regardless of their position in the vehicle.
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 reduces driver distraction by relocating controls from the dashboard, enhances accessibility for all occupants, and protects controls from environmental damage, allowing reliable operation of vehicle functions from various locations.
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
Implementation Method 2
Power to the LEDs is provided by an electrically conductive coating within the laminate
Data Source
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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.