Roof Light Press Panel Layout for Reliable Touch Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detection devices for vehicle roof lights face challenges in accurately detecting presses on wall surfaces due to restricted displacement of the inner wall, which can prevent the pressure-sensitive sensor from responding effectively.
Innovation Solution
A detection device with a panel and support structure that allows the operation surface to deform while preventing warping, featuring sensors positioned between support structures to enhance sensitivity and detect presses on any location, using piezoelectric members and a transmitter to send signals for remote control of illumination switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the auxiliary switch is located on the inner wall surrounded by support structures, then the structural stability is improved, but the pressing force cannot be transmitted to the pressure-sensitive sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The inner wall is divided into multiple regions by introducing ribs that extend from the support structures. The sensor is placed in a specific region between the ribs where deformation can occur, while other regions maintain structural stability. This segmentation allows different parts of the wall to serve different functions: some areas provide stability while others enable sensor activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall structure is designed with non-uniform properties: areas near the support structures maintain high rigidity for stability, while the region between the ribs has reduced rigidity to allow deformation. This local variation in structural quality enables the sensor to detect presses while the overall structure remains stable.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor is positioned directly under the operation surface, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the sensor overlaps with the support structure preventing deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The operation surface is segmented into multiple detection regions by positioning multiple sensors at different locations between the ribs. Each sensor covers a specific area where deformation can occur, ensuring that pressing any location on the operation surface activates at least one sensor while maintaining high detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of positioning the sensor directly under the center of the operation surface (one-dimensional approach), the solution uses multiple sensors distributed across two-dimensional space between the ribs. This spatial distribution ensures comprehensive coverage and maintains both detection accuracy and deformation capability.
3Strength
If thicker panels are used to improve durability, then the structural strength is improved, but the sensitivity of the pressure-sensitive sensor decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is designed with varying thickness or rigidity in different regions. The regions near the support structures maintain high strength and thickness for durability, while the region between the ribs has reduced thickness or increased flexibility to enhance sensor sensitivity. This local quality variation allows the panel to be both durable and sensitive.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel structure is segmented into rigid support regions and flexible sensing regions. The rigid regions provide overall structural strength and durability, while the flexible regions between the ribs allow sufficient deformation to activate the pressure-sensitive sensor even in thicker panels.
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 enables reliable detection of presses on any panel location, improving sensitivity and accuracy, even on thicker panels, and allows for precise control of light sources based on the detected inputs.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor can be formed of a piezoelectric member which overlaps and straddles the third support in plan view
Implementation Method 2
A transmitter is connected to the sensor for transmitting an output signal, indicative of the output of the sensor, to a remote receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A detection device includes a panel having opposed main surfaces including an operation surface and a rear surface. A support structure is located on at least one of the main surfaces and prevents warping of the panel while permitting the operation surface to be deformed in response to a pressing operation applied to the operation surface. A sensor for sensing the pressing operation applied to the operation surface is provided on one of the main surfaces at a location where at least a portion of the sensor does not overlap the support structure in plan view.