Seat Cover Seam Capacitive Switching for Moisture Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle interior switching systems, particularly in seat adjustments, are prone to switching errors due to moisture ingress, leading to leakage currents or decreased functionality in optical switches.
Innovation Solution
A cover material with a visible seam incorporating an electrically conductive element on its lower side, set at a potential different from ground, generates an electric field that is modified by a user's presence, allowing for capacitive sensing and control of seat functions without visible switches, and is designed to be moisture-resistant through multi-layer construction or encapsulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional switches are installed in the vehicle interior, then switching functions are provided, but they take up space and disrupt visual appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical switches with a capacitive touch sensing system. The conductive element and evaluation device detect changes in capacitance when a user touches the cover material, enabling switching functions without mechanical components. This substitution eliminates visible switches while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the switching function directly into the cover material itself through a conductive element embedded in or on the flexible cover. This allows the entire surface to act as a touch-sensitive control panel, replacing rigid mechanical switches with a flexible, seamless interface that maintains aesthetic appearance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fabric switches with conductive fabrics are used, then switching functions are provided with better adaptability, but moisture penetration causes switching errors and leakage currents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an insulating layer between the conductive element and the environment (moisture, user's body). This intermediary protects the capacitive sensing system from moisture penetration while still allowing capacitive coupling when a user touches the surface. The insulating layer prevents direct contact between moisture and the conductive element, eliminating leakage currents and switching errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible insulating film or coating to protect the conductive element from moisture while maintaining the flexibility needed to conform to surface contours. This thin film barrier prevents moisture ingress that would cause switching errors, while the overall system maintains adaptability to various surfaces through the flexible nature of the cover material.
3Volume of stationary object
If optical switches are used in the vehicle interior, then compact installation is achieved, but moisture ingress causes decline in total reflection and switching errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical switching systems with a capacitive touch sensing system. Instead of using light guides and sensors that require precise optical alignment and are susceptible to moisture affecting total reflection, the system uses electrical capacitance detection. This substitution maintains compact installation while eliminating the reliability issues associated with optical components exposed to moisture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an insulating barrier that protects the capacitive sensing system from moisture while still allowing the electric field to interact with the user's body for detection. This intermediary layer prevents moisture from degrading the total reflection or causing leakage currents, which would be critical issues for optical switches in the same environment.
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 system provides secure, moisture-resistant switching capable of controlling various seat functions, such as adjustments and illuminations, while maintaining a seamless integration into the vehicle interior, enhancing user experience and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically conductive element that generates an electric field is arranged on the lower side in the region where the seam runs
Implementation Method 2
the electrically conductive element is set at an electric potential that differs from the ground potential and thereby generates an electric field
Data Source
AI summary
A cover material, in particular a seat cover material, having an upper side and a lower side and at least one seam that runs over at least a part of the cover material and that is visible on the upper side. An electrically conductive element that generates an electric field is arranged on the lower side in the region where the seam runs.