Reconfigurable Capacitive Sensor Assembly for Touch, Proximity, and Pressure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current capacitive proximity sensors on vehicles are limited in their configurability and functionality, lacking the ability to effectively sense multiple parameters such as touch, proximity, and pressure with a single configuration, which restricts their versatility in operating various vehicle devices.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive proximity sensor assembly with multiple electrodes and compliant dielectric layers, along with a controller that reconfigures the sensor operation to provide multiple capacitive sensors, allowing for the detection of touch, proximity, and pressure by sequentially switching between different sensor modes, enabling the assembly to function as mutual or self-capacitive sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single capacitive sensor configuration is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling a single sensor assembly to operate in multiple capacitive sensing modes (self-capacitance and mutual capacitance) through controller reconfiguration. The same physical electrodes and dielectric structure serve different sensing purposes by changing electrical connection configurations, allowing one device to replace multiple specialized sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sensor configuration changeable through the controller, which can dynamically reconfigure the electrical connections between electrodes based on the desired sensing mode. This dynamic reconfiguration capability allows the system to adapt between different sensor types without physical modification, enhancing versatility while maintaining a fixed physical structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate sensors are used to detect touch, proximity, and pressure, then the measurement capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables a single sensor assembly to perform multiple detection functions (touch, proximity, and pressure sensing) by switching between different capacitive sensing modes. The controller reconfigures the electrode connections to optimize for each specific detection type, allowing one physical assembly to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sensing capabilities into a single integrated sensor assembly. By merging the touch sensor, proximity sensor, and pressure sensor functions into one physical structure with shared electrodes and dielectric layers, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring separate sensor assemblies for each detection type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor operates in a single mode, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the adaptability to different sensing requirements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically manages the complexity of mode switching and configuration changes without requiring manual intervention from the user. The system self-adjusts the electrode connections and sensing parameters based on the required mode, maintaining ease of operation while providing access to multiple sensing capabilities through automated reconfiguration.
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 the sensor's ability to detect various inputs, including touch, proximity, and pressure, by configuring the electrodes to operate in multiple sensor modes, thereby improving the versatility and functionality of the sensor assembly on vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
the first electrode comprises a pair of electrodes that are configurable to generate a mutual capacitance to provide a first capacitive sensor
Implementation Method 2
the pair of electrodes are configurable to generate a self-capacitance to provide a second capacitive sensor
Implementation Method 3
the pair of electrodes are shorted together and move towards the second electrode when the first compliant dielectric is compressed with force so as to form a pressure sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A capacitive proximity sensor assembly is provided that includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a first compliant dielectric layer disposed between the first and second electrodes, and a controller processing signals associated with the first and second electrodes and selectively reconfiguring operation of the first and second electrodes in different proximity sensor arrangements to provide a plurality of capacitive sensors. The capacitive proximity assembly may be selectively reconfigured into up to four capacitive sensors.