Capacitive Proximity Sensor Electrode Edge Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating units for vehicle components with capacitive proximity sensors have complex structures that complicate the integration and positioning of sensor electrodes, leading to inefficiencies in detection and operation.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive proximity sensor design utilizing a printed circuit board as the sensor carrier body, positioned at an angle behind the front wall, with the sensor electrode edge section extending over three surfaces, allowing for simplified structure and enhanced detection capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate sensor carrier body is used to hold the sensor electrode close to the front wall, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensor electrode carrier body with the printed circuit board into a single integrated component. The sensor electrode is directly mounted on the PCB, eliminating the need for a separate carrier body while maintaining the electrode's proximity to the front wall for reliable detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The printed circuit board serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, electrical connections, and acts as the sensor electrode carrier body. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the assembly.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor electrode is positioned close to the front wall for accurate detection, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the sensor electrode directly onto the PCB, the design simplifies manufacturing processes. The electrode can be positioned close to the front wall through standard PCB mounting techniques, achieving precise detection without complex assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCB acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates the positioning of the sensor electrode close to the front wall. This intermediate platform enables precise positioning while maintaining ease of manufacture through standard electronic component mounting procedures.
3Manufacturing precision
If a complex sensor carrier body structure is used, then sensor positioning accuracy is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the sensor electrode with the PCB eliminates complex carrier body structures. Standard PCB manufacturing and mounting techniques provide sufficient positioning accuracy while maintaining processing simplicity through well-established industrial methods.
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 design enables reliable and efficient capacitive proximity detection, allowing for precise recognition of symbol field approaches and touches, while maintaining robustness and ease of processing, suitable for automotive applications.
Implementation Method 1
proximity sensors are required, which mostly work capacitively. To this extent, one also speaks of 'capacitive front-end detection'.
Data Source
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AI summary
The operating panel (10) for a vehicle component, in particular for a radio, a CD and/or DVD player, a navigation device, an infotainment device, a heating or air conditioning control unit, or a human-machine interface, is provided with a front wall (12), on which at least one symbol field (20) is arranged, and a proximity sensor (28), which is located behind the front wall (12) and which is associated with the symbol field (20), for detecting a touch of the symbol field (20) by an object, in particular the finger of a hand. The proximity sensor (28) has a sensor carrying body (30), which has a sensor circuit board (32) and at least one sensor electrode (42). The sensor circuit board (32) has a sensor electrode edge section (39), which is formed by an edge surface (38) connecting the two opposite main lateral surfaces (34, 36) of the sensor circuit board (32) and by the areas of the main lateral surfaces (34, 36) adjacent to the edge surface. The at least one sensor electrode has an electrically conductive surface (40), which extends on the sensor electrode edge section (39) of the sensor circuit board (32) over the two opposite main lateral surfaces (33, 36) and the edge surface (38) of the sensor circuit board (32) connecting the two opposite main lateral surfaces. The sensor circuit board (32) extends substantially at a right angle to the extent of the front wall (12), and an edge surface (38) of the sensor circuit board (32) connecting the two opposite main lateral surfaces (34, 36) of the sensor circuit board (32) is the area lying closest to the front wall (12) and faces the symbol field.