Multipoint Contact Sensing With Intermediate Detection Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for detecting hand pressure and position on a steering wheel lack the ability to simultaneously provide reliable, simple, and high-accuracy measurements, often requiring complex systems with multiple microcontrollers and failing to effectively utilize intermediate detection zones.
Innovation Solution
A multipoint contact detection device with at least two capacitive or inductive sensitive structures and a processing circuit that generates signals for contact and pressure measurements, allowing for increased spatial resolution by defining intermediate detection zones and using fewer sensitive structures, along with an accelerometer to account for vehicle acceleration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensitive structures are used to increase spatial resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection surface is segmented into multiple primary detection zones, each associated with a sensitive structure. Intermediate detection zones are created between adjacent primary zones, allowing the system to detect contact positions with higher spatial resolution than the number of sensitive structures would suggest. This segmentation enables 2N detection zones using only N sensitive structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a dimensional aspect to detection by introducing intermediate detection zones between primary zones. Instead of simply increasing the number of sensitive structures linearly, the system creates a two-layer detection structure (primary and intermediate zones) that effectively doubles the detection resolution without proportionally increasing hardware complexity.
2Measurement precision
If more detection zones are created, then measurement precision is improved, but the number of sensitive structures must increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each sensitive structure's detection capability is segmented into a primary detection zone and shared intermediate detection zones with adjacent structures. This segmentation allows one sensitive structure to effectively contribute to multiple detection zones, reducing the total number of structures needed compared to a one-to-one mapping approach.
Solution Approach 2:
Each sensitive structure serves multiple functions: it detects contact in its own primary detection zone and also contributes to detecting contact in the intermediate zones shared with adjacent structures. This multi-functionality allows fewer sensitive structures to achieve the same detection coverage as would require more structures in a dedicated one-to-one configuration.
3Measurement precision
If intermediate detection zones are added, then spatial resolution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing circuit uses feedback from multiple sensitive structures to determine contact position. When a contact occurs in an intermediate zone, the system receives feedback signals from both adjacent primary zones, allowing it to infer the intermediate position through comparative analysis of the feedback patterns from multiple sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the detection capabilities of adjacent sensitive structures to create shared intermediate detection zones. Instead of treating each sensitive structure independently with dedicated zones, the system combines their detection fields, allowing intermediate zones to be monitored by multiple structures working together, which reduces overall system 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
The device enhances spatial resolution and reduces complexity by enabling accurate detection of hand position and pressure across multiple zones with fewer sensitive structures, while accounting for vehicle acceleration to improve measurement reliability.
Implementation Method 1
at least two capacitive or inductive sensitive structures, associated with respective primary detection zones of a surface that a person is likely to contact
Implementation Method 2
at least two capacitive or inductive sensitive structures, associated with respective primary detection zones of a surface that a person is likely to contact
Implementation Method 3
measure a frequency variation produced by the proximity, the contact and the pressure of the hands of a person on a surface
Data Source
AI summary
A multipoint contact detection device includes at least two capacitive or inductive sensitive structures associated with respective primary detection zones of a surface that a person is likely to contact. The sensitive structures are positioned with a separation that is small enough between them to define at least one intermediate detection zone that the person is likely to contact while exerting a capacitive or inductive disturbance on the adjacent sensitive structures. The device also includes a processing circuit configured to detect, for each sensitive structure, a disturbance induced by the person coming into proximity or into contact and locating the region or regions of the surface with which the person comes into contact relative to the primary detection zones and the one or more intermediate detection zones.