Vehicle Interior Fitting with Shielded Capacitive Soft-Touch Zones
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle interior trim parts face challenges in integrating operating zones into comfort zones, such as armrests, due to the need for hard designs that do not accommodate user anatomy and size variations, leading to clear spatial demarcation between operating and comfort zones.
Innovation Solution
A functional interior trim part with a layer structure comprising a base support, a capacitive functional layer, a haptic layer, and an electrical shielding layer, where the shielding layer is positioned between the functional layer and the base support, allowing for capacitive operation through an electric field that is selectively expressed towards the operating half-space, enabling soft touch functionality and reduced interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If operating zones are designed to be hard to fulfill the operating function, then the operating function is achieved, but integration into soft comfort zones becomes difficult and spatial demarcation between operating and comfort zones becomes clear
Solution Approach 1:
The interior trim part is divided into multiple functional layers: a base support structure, a soft comfort zone layer, and a capacitive operating zone layer. This segmentation allows each layer to fulfill its specific function while maintaining overall integration, resolving the contradiction between hard operating surfaces and soft comfort zones.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the interior trim part are assigned different material properties and functional characteristics. The comfort zone areas maintain soft, adaptable materials, while the operating zones incorporate capacitive sensing elements that provide the necessary operational hardness only where needed, eliminating clear spatial demarcation.
2Ease of operation
If a thick haptic layer is used to ensure soft feel, then comfort is improved, but electric field strength is reduced and operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A capacitive functional layer is introduced as an intermediary between the thick haptic layer and the base support. This intermediate layer contains the sensing elements that detect operating inputs through the haptic layer, allowing the haptic layer to maintain its thick, soft configuration while ensuring reliable operation detection despite the reduced electric field strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical operating mechanisms with a capacitive sensing system. Instead of relying on direct mechanical contact or switches, the system detects operating inputs through changes in capacitance caused by the user's interaction with the haptic layer, enabling operation through thick soft materials.
3Ease of manufacture
If operating zones are made hard with clear spatial demarcation, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to user anatomy and size variations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The operating zones are designed with dynamic, flexible characteristics rather than rigid fixed structures. The capacitive sensing layer can adapt to different user anatomies and seating positions, allowing the operating zones to respond to various input methods and locations without requiring precise spatial demarcation or complex manufacturing adjustments.
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 allows for seamless integration of operating and comfort zones, enhancing design flexibility and sensitivity, while shielding against electronic interference, enabling effective operation through a thick haptic layer without disrupting the soft feel.
Implementation Method 1
the functional layer is designed as a capacitive functional layer, in which the capacitance changes when a user's finger or another conductive object comes into functional range
Implementation Method 2
the electric or electromagnetic field represented by electric field lines changes as a result of positioning and moving a finger
Implementation Method 3
the electrical shielding layer is arranged on a side of the functional layer facing away from the haptic layer... shielding against electronic interference
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
AI summary
The invention relates to a functional interior fitting part (10) for a vehicle, having a layer structure. The layer structure has at least one base support (1), a functional layer (3), and a haptic layer (4), and the functional interior fitting part (10) also has an electric shielding layer (2), wherein the electric shielding layer leads to a selective sensor field characteristic in the direction of an operating half-space, and the electric shielding layer (2) is arranged on the functional layer (3) side facing away from the haptic layer (4). The invention additionally relates to a method for producing such an interior fitting part (1).