Magnetic Membrane Haptic Switch for Compact Vehicle Cockpits
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of haptic feedback switches in modern vehicle cockpits is challenging due to their dimensions, which hinders their effective incorporation into vehicle operating elements.
Innovation Solution
An operating element with haptic feedback is designed, featuring a deflectable membrane using a magnetic field generated by a coil, combined with a touch sensor element and electrodes, allowing for easy integration and enhanced user feedback through vibrations or movement pulses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional haptic feedback switches are used, then haptic feedback function is achieved, but the dimensions are large and integration into modern vehicle cockpits is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the haptic feedback switch functionality with a capacitive touch sensor into a single integrated operating element. The switch contact is formed directly on the touch sensor electrode, eliminating the need for separate components. This merging reduces the overall volume and enables easy integration into modern vehicle cockpits while maintaining both touch detection and haptic feedback functions.
2Ease of operation
If electromagnetic haptic actuators with inductive coils are used, then haptic feedback is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex electromagnetic haptic actuator with a simple magnetic field generator (coil) that deflects a membrane. Instead of using a magnet on the membrane with power supply levels, the invention uses a coil that generates a magnetic field to directly deflect the membrane, simplifying the structure. The capacitive touch sensor further simplifies the system by eliminating mechanical contacts while maintaining functionality.
3Force
If micro-coils with high aspect ratio windings are used, then strong magnetic fields are generated, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach to generating strong magnetic fields by using a coil with relatively low aspect ratio windings (1.5-3) instead of high aspect ratio windings (>3). The coil is formed with a diameter of 0.5-2mm and wire diameter of 0.05-0.2mm, resulting in manageable winding ratios. This parameter change reduces manufacturing precision requirements while still achieving sufficient magnetic field strength for membrane deflection.
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 enables seamless integration of haptic feedback in vehicle cockpits, providing effective tactile feedback while being cost-effective and minimizing environmental interference, such as particle attraction.
Implementation Method 1
a coil (102) for generating a magnetic field for deflecting the membrane (101)
Data Source
AI summary
An operating element having haptic feedback is proposed, having a membrane deflectable using a magnetic field, having a coil for generating a magnetic field for deflecting the membrane, and having a touch sensor element including at least one touch sensor electrode.