Capacitive Sensor Detection Face Extension for Touch Input Periphery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional input devices for vehicles, such as automobiles, fail to properly detect touch operations on the periphery of the operation body due to the detection face of the capacitance sensor not extending to the side face part, leading to incomplete detection of user inputs.
Innovation Solution
The input device design includes a sensor body with a detection face that overlaps with the periphery of the operation body's first face part, allowing for improved detection of touch operations by including the periphery within the touchable operation face, and a closed-end cylindrical sensor body with a flat detection face that is capable of detecting touch operations on both the top and side faces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the detection face of the capacitance sensor is made smaller than the top face part of the operation body, then the sensor body can be compactly disposed within the operation body, but the periphery of the operation body cannot be properly detected
Solution Approach 1:
The detection face is extended from the bottom face to the side face of the sensor body, utilizing the lateral dimension to expand the detection area. This allows the detection face to overlap with the periphery of the operation body's first face part, enabling detection of touch operations at the periphery while maintaining a compact sensor body structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection face is divided into two functional segments: a bottom face detection area and a side face detection area. The side face detection area specifically targets the periphery of the operation body, separating the detection function into distinct spatial zones that collectively cover the entire operation face including periphery regions.
2Device complexity
If the detection face does not extend to the side face part of the operation body, then the sensor structure is simpler, but touch operations on the periphery are not detected
Solution Approach 1:
The detection face extends along the side face of the sensor body in addition to the bottom face, utilizing the lateral dimension to achieve periphery detection. This dimensional extension enables complete detection coverage without requiring multiple separate sensors or complex multi-component structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The single detection face serves multiple functions: detecting touch operations on the top face part, side face part, and periphery of the operation body. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate detection elements for different regions, maintaining structural simplicity while achieving comprehensive detection reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the periphery of the operation body is included in the touchable operation face, then user interaction is improved, but the risk of unintended inputs during rotation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection face is configured with different spatial characteristics for different regions: the bottom face detection area corresponds to the top face part, while the side face detection area corresponds to the periphery. This local differentiation allows the system to distinguish between intentional touch operations and unintended contact during rotation based on the spatial location and characteristics of the detected signal.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system provides spatial feedback by distinguishing touch operations at different locations on the operation body. The controller can interpret detection signals from the side face detection area differently from those at the center, enabling discrimination between intentional periphery touches and unintended contact during rotation operations.
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 configuration enhances the accuracy and completeness of touch operations by ensuring the periphery of the operation body is properly detected, improving user interaction and preventing unintended inputs during rotating or pressing operations.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitance sensor provided on an upper side of the base member
Data Source
AI summary
An operation unit of an input device has an operation body having a closed-end tubular shape and provided to be rotatable relative to a device body, and a sensor body provided on the device body in the operation body. The operation body enables a touch operation onto operation face S formed on at least a top face part, and enables a rotating operation that is different from the touch operation by rotating relative to the device body while holding its side face. The sensor body includes a detection face that is capable of detecting the touch operation of a detection target in contact with operation face S, and a periphery of the detection face and a periphery of a top face part of the operation body overlap each other in a vertical direction.