Steering Capacitive Sensor Heating Synchronization Without Extra Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combined capacitive sensor and heating devices for steering input devices face challenges in efficient synchronization and control, particularly in vehicles, where separate synchronization signals limit synchronization speed and delay sensor operations due to limited transmission rates.
Innovation Solution
A combined capacitive sensor and heating device with a synchronization device that detects actual voltage and current curves to control the sensor device in synchronization with the heating device's state, allowing variable timing and independent control of heating and sensor functions without additional synchronization signals, enabling faster synchronization and improved operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If separate synchronization signals are used to control sensor and heating devices, then the system can maintain independent control functions, but the synchronization speed is limited and sensor operations are delayed due to limited transmission rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the synchronization function into a single integrated synchronization device that controls both the heating device and sensor device, eliminating the need for separate synchronization signals. This merging of control functions allows for faster coordination between heating and sensing operations, directly addressing the synchronization speed limitation and reducing delays in sensor operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switching devices are used in electrical paths for combined sensor and heating element, then the device can be operated selectively as sensor or heating element, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The combined sensor and heating element serves multiple functions - it can operate as a capacitive sensor element when switching devices are open, and as a heating element when switching devices are closed. This multi-functionality is achieved through a unified electrical structure with integrated switching control, reducing the need for separate dedicated sensor and heating components, thereby managing complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Area of stationary object
If combined sensor and heating element is used, then installation space requirements are reduced, but the control and synchronization of both functions becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization device is merged into a single control unit that manages both the heating device and sensor device operations. This integrated synchronization approach simplifies the control architecture by eliminating the need for separate synchronization mechanisms, making the control of the combined sensor-heating element more manageable despite the dual-function complexity.
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 solution enables fast synchronization even at high clock rates, allowing complete capacitive sensor measurements between heating pulses and reducing installation space requirements by separating control functions into different assemblies, resulting in a more efficient and flexible system architecture.
Implementation Method 1
an actual voltage applied to the first electrical path between a first pole of a voltage source and a first connection of the combined sensor and heating element, in particular an actual voltage curve over time, and/or a current actual current flow, in particular an actual current flow curve over time, is detected along the first electrical path
Implementation Method 2
a current actual current flow, in particular an actual current flow curve over time, is detected along the first electrical path
Implementation Method 3
for operating the combined sensor and heating element as a heating element, the first connection of the combined sensor and heating element can be electrically connected to the first pole of a voltage source by closing all switching devices of the first electrical path
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a combined capacitive sensor and heating apparatus (10, 60, 70) having a capacitive sensor device for detecting the presence of a capacitive operating means in a detection region of the sensor device, and having a heating device, wherein the sensor and heating apparatus (10, 60, 70) has an electrical combined sensor and heating element (4), wherein a synchronisation device (40) is designed to detect an actual voltage and/or an actual current flow present on the first electrical path (P1) between the first pole (V+) of a voltage source and the first terminal (5) of the combined sensor and heating element (4) and/or to detect an actual voltage and/or an actual current flow present between the second terminal (6) of the combined sensor and heating element (4) and the second pole (GND) and, on the basis of this, to identify a present actual state of the heating device, and, on the basis of the identified present actual state of the heating device, to control the sensor device and/or to emit at least one control signal in order to at least partially control the sensor device.