Pressure-Sensitive Trim Panel for Vehicle Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle interiors require numerous physical control elements, leading to high component costs and increased assembly time, as well as complex interior design to accommodate these components.
Innovation Solution
A user interface system featuring a pressure-sensitive trim panel with non-conductive layers and a conductive material exhibiting variable resistance to pressure or strain, utilizing conductive strips and a compressible intermediate layer to detect pressure and strain, allowing for flexible and intuitive control of vehicle functions without the need for traditional switches or buttons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If numerous physical control elements (switches, buttons, dials) are used to control vehicle functions, then control functionality is achieved, but component cost and assembly time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control functions into a single trim panel by integrating a pressure-sensitive sensor array. The sensor array detects pressure inputs at multiple locations, allowing the trim panel itself to serve as the control interface rather than requiring separate physical controls for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The trim panel is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the aesthetic interior trim and the control interface. The pressure-sensitive sensor array enables the same surface to control various vehicle functions (entertainment, climate, door locks, windows, seats, mirrors, headlights) without requiring dedicated hardware for each control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If numerous physical control elements are installed in the vehicle interior, then all vehicle functions can be controlled, but interior trim design becomes more complex and assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control functions are merged into the trim panel structure itself. The sensor array is integrated during trim panel assembly, eliminating the need for separate installation steps for individual control components. This reduces assembly time while maintaining full control capability.
3Reliability
If traditional physical switches and buttons are used, then reliable control is achieved, but component cost and interior design complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches and buttons with a pressure-sensitive sensor array. Instead of mechanical contact, the system uses pressure-sensitive elements that detect force applied to the trim panel surface, converting mechanical pressure into electrical signals for control functions.
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 component costs and assembly time by integrating control functions into existing trim panels, providing a flexible and intuitive interface that enhances user experience while simplifying interior design and enabling efficient control of various vehicle systems.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive material that is interposed between the first and second non-conductive layers and which exhibits a variable resistance in response to pressure or strain
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A vehicle control system for receiving touch-based inputs for controlling one or more vehicle systems or components. A pressure sensing interface includes first and second non-conductive layers and an intermediate layer that is interposed between the first and second non-conductive layers and which exhibits a variable electrical resistance in response to applied pressure. The interface further includes a sensor grid including a first set of conductive strips between the first non-conductive layer and the intermediate layer, and a second set of conductive strips between the intermediate layer and the second non-conductive layer. A controller is operable to identify a user input within the sensor grid by monitoring the electrical resistance between the first and second sets of conductive strips.