Steering Wheel Grip Detection Using Core Metal Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gripping detection devices for steering wheels face challenges in accurately detecting human hands due to noise interference from the core metal of the rim, leading to reduced detection accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a capacitive sensor system that uses the core metal of the steering wheel as an active shield electrode, integrated with the control device to remove noise interference and enhance detection accuracy by driving the rim core metal as an active shield, thereby improving the capacitive sensor's performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a capacitive sensor is provided at the spoke portion of the steering wheel to detect hand proximity or contact, then gripping detection capability is enabled, but noise interference from the core metal of the rim reduces detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
A shield electrode is introduced as an intermediary component between the capacitive sensor and the noisy core metal. The shield electrode is positioned between the detection electrode and the rim core metal, acting as a mediator that blocks or reduces the electromagnetic noise from the core metal from interfering with the capacitive sensor's detection of hand proximity or contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The core metal of the rim, which originally serves as a noise source interfering with detection, is repurposed by connecting it to ground potential. This converts the harmful electromagnetic interference into a beneficial reference potential, allowing the core metal structure to remain while its negative electrical effect is eliminated through grounding.
2Measurement precision
If the core metal of the rim is used as a shield electrode to reduce noise, then detection accuracy is improved, but additional grounding connections and circuit complexity are required
Solution Approach 1:
The core metal structure of the rim serves multiple functions simultaneously: it maintains its original structural and aesthetic role in the steering wheel design, and also functions as the shield electrode for noise reduction when connected to ground. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate shield electrode components and reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing core metal structure of the rim performs the shielding function for itself when properly grounded. The core metal that was causing noise interference now serves its own protective function by being converted into the shield electrode, eliminating the need for external shielding components or additional complex grounding systems.
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 allows for high-accuracy detection of fingers gripping the steering wheel rim by filtering out noise from the core metal, enhancing the overall detection performance and reliability of the system.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive sensor part that is provided at a spoke portion of a steering wheel and includes a detection electrode facing a rim portion of the steering wheel
Implementation Method 2
use a core metal of the steering wheel as a shield electrode of the capacitive sensor part
Data Source
AI summary
A gripping detection device includes a capacitive sensor part that is provided at a spoke portion of a steering wheel and includes a detection electrode facing a rim portion of the steering wheel; a control part configured to control the capacitive sensor part; and a determination part configured to determine presence or absence of a finger gripping the rim portion based on a hover detection result obtained by the capacitive sensor part. The control part includes a processor, and a memory storing one or more programs, which when executed, cause the processor to: use a core metal of the steering wheel as a shield electrode of the capacitive sensor part.