Automotive Interior IR Sensor Integration for Hidden Non-Contact Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automotive interior components require manual contact to operate devices, and their design lacks uniformity due to visible markings for switch positioning.
Innovation Solution
An automotive interior component incorporating an infrared sensor with an emission and reception unit, installed in a molded body and covered by a surface material that transmits infrared rays, allowing non-contact operation and integrated design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a marking portion is formed on the surface material to indicate switch position, then the switch position can be recognized, but the design uniformity of interior components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical marking system (recessed portions forming steps) with an optical detection system (infrared sensors). The infrared sensor detects the presence of a finger or hand through the surface material without requiring visible markings, thus maintaining design uniformity while still enabling switch position recognition.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface material acts as an intermediary that is transparent to infrared rays. It allows the infrared sensor to detect objects through it without requiring visible markings on the surface, thereby maintaining both design uniformity and functional recognition.
2Ease of operation
If manual contact is required to press switches, then device operation is achieved, but non-contact operation capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical switch pressing system with an optical detection system using infrared sensors. The sensor detects the presence and movement of a finger or hand through the transparent surface material, enabling non-contact operation while maintaining ease of use. The system can detect finger approach, pressing motion, and release without requiring physical contact with a switch mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the surface material is made transparent to infrared rays, then non-contact operation is enabled, but the material selection and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the surface material should have an infrared transmittance of 60% or more, transforming the material selection criterion into a quantifiable parameter. This allows manufacturers to choose from existing materials that meet this specification without requiring entirely new material developments, thus enabling non-contact operation while managing manufacturing complexity.
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
Enables the non-contact operation of vehicle cabin devices and enhances design uniformity by using infrared sensors and transparent surface materials for seamless integration and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The emission unit emits infrared rays to an object. The reception unit receives the infrared rays reflected by the object.
Implementation Method 2
The reception unit receives the infrared rays reflected by the object.
Implementation Method 3
The surface material transmits the infrared rays. The surface material may have an infrared transmittance of 60% or more.
Data Source
AI summary
An automotive interior component is provided which includes: an infrared sensor that includes an emission unit and a reception unit, the emission unit emitting infrared rays to an object, and the reception unit receiving the infrared rays reflected by the object; a molded body in which the infrared sensor is installed; and a surface material disposed so as to cover the infrared sensor, the surface material transmitting the infrared rays.