Multifunction Button Force Sensor Reduces Electrical Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multifunction control devices for motor vehicles are complex and lack ergonomic efficiency due to the need for multiple switches, which complicates control of various electrical components and increases electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction control button with a force sensor that provides pressure intensity information, allowing for simplified control of multiple functions with a single control member, featuring a base with a movable member and a force sensor that adjusts commands based on user input, enabling intuitive adjustment of function intensity and simplifying electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switches are used to control various electrical components, then each function can be controlled independently, but the device complexity and number of electrical connections increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single control device with multiple actuating lugs (5a-5d) can control multiple electrical components through one force sensor (4), replacing the need for separate switches for each function. The force sensor detects pressing forces in different directions and magnitudes to parameterize commands for various components, achieving multi-functionality with a single control element.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple control functions are merged into a single control device by integrating multiple actuating lugs (5a-5d) that can be pressed in different directions. The force sensor (4) consolidates the detection of multiple pressing forces into one sensing element, combining what would traditionally require multiple separate switches into a unified control system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a joystick with multiple switches is used, then multiple functions can be controlled, but the structure becomes complex and requires many electrical connections
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor (4) serves as a universal sensing element that can detect pressing forces from multiple actuating lugs (5a-5d) in different directions. This single sensor replaces multiple switches, providing multi-function control capability while significantly reducing the number of electrical connections required in the control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces a mechanical system of multiple switches with a force sensor that uses piezoresistive or capacitive effects to detect pressing forces. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity and electrical connections by using a single sensing element with multiple sensitive surfaces instead of multiple independent mechanical switches.
3Device complexity
If traditional switches are used for each control function, then the control structure is simple, but ergonomic efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor (4) detects not only the presence but also the intensity of pressing forces, providing analog output that represents force intensity. This allows the control system to parameterize commands based on the magnitude of the user's input, enabling intuitive adjustment of function intensity (such as volume or temperature) through varying pressing force, thereby improving ergonomic efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The force sensor provides continuous feedback about the intensity and direction of pressing forces to the control system. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust the parameterization of commands in real-time based on user input, creating a more natural and ergonomic interaction compared to discrete on/off switches.
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
The solution enhances ergonomic control by allowing users to adjust function intensity through pressing force, simplifying electrical connections, and replacing complex joysticks with a compact force sensor, thereby improving usability and reducing complexity in motor vehicle control systems.
Implementation Method 1
a force sensor having at least one surface sensitive to pressing pressure capable of delivering information representative of the intensity of the pressing force exerted on the sensitive surface
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a multifunction control button having a base (2) and a moving member (3) that can be moved between a rest position and at least one active position against a corresponding abutment (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) of the base, characterized in that it has a force sensor (4) having at least one surface (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) that is sensitive to a contact pressure and able to provide information representing the intensity of the contact pressure exerted on the sensitive surface, said force sensor (4) being fixed in an abutment (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) of the base, opposite an actuating protrusion (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) of the moving member (3), such that the actuating protrusion (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) comes into abutting contact with the sensitive surface (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) of the force sensor in the active position.