Proximity Sensor Array Asymmetric Activation Field
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle switches with proximity sensors face challenges in activating or deactivating devices due to activation fields that either do not extend laterally enough, making them difficult to actuate, or extend too far longitudinally, leading to accidental activations and requiring larger objects to operate.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle component featuring a console surface with an array of proximity sensors, such as capacitive sensors, that form an activation field with a greater lateral extent than longitudinal extent, reducing the likelihood of accidental activations and improving sensitivity by ensuring the field adequately covers the activation surface without unnecessary longitudinal extension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the activation field extends further in the longitudinal direction, then the switch can be activated from a greater distance, but accidental activations increase and larger objects are required to operate the switch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single proximity sensor to an array of multiple proximity sensors arranged in a specific pattern. This dimensional change allows the system to create an activation field with controlled lateral and longitudinal extents, resolving the contradiction by enabling sufficient activation distance while preventing accidental activations through the distributed sensor array geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates different field characteristics in different directions by using an array of sensors with specific spacing and orientation. The lateral direction (parallel to console surface) and longitudinal direction (perpendicular to console surface) have different effective activation distances, allowing optimized performance in each direction to resolve the contradiction
2Ease of operation
If the activation field extends further laterally, then the switch is easier to locate and activate, but the field may extend too far longitudinally causing accidental activations
Solution Approach 1:
The array configuration enables independent control of lateral and longitudinal field extents through geometric arrangement. Multiple sensors spaced appropriately create a combined field that extends sufficiently laterally for ease of operation while the longitudinal extension is constrained, preventing accidental activations
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor array is configured to create an asymmetric activation field pattern where the lateral extent differs from the longitudinal extent. This asymmetry allows the field to be optimized for lateral accessibility while limiting longitudinal extension, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and prevention of accidental activation
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 user interaction by ensuring the activation field covers the intended surface area laterally while minimizing unwanted longitudinal extensions, reducing accidental activations and improving the sensitivity of switch actuation.
Implementation Method 1
an array of capacitive proximity sensors electrically connected to the at least one circuit board, each of the capacitive proximity sensors emit a capacitive field that combine to form an activation field
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle component is provided that includes a console surface, at least one circuit board proximate the console surface, and an array of proximity sensors electrically connected to the at least one circuit board. Each of the proximity sensors emit a field that combine to form an activation field, wherein a lateral direction of the activation field extending approximately parallel to the console surface is greater than a longitudinal direction of the activation field extending approximately perpendicular to the console surface.