Steering Wheel Sensor Lattice for Fine-Resolution Hand Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies are limited in providing complex hands-on recognition and fine-resolution data entry on the steering wheel, particularly for autonomous driving, due to the lack of suitable deformable sensors that can cover the entire surface and integrate feed lines without manufacturing and stability issues.
Innovation Solution
A sensor lattice structure is applied to the steering wheel rim with feed lines led inward through a joint, enabling a fine-resolution sensor coverage and multi-touch measurements by using a multichannel technology with X-Y intersecting lines and a multilayered construction for deformation and integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the steering wheel rim is extensively covered with a fine-resolution sensor lattice structure, then measurement precision and surface coverage are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase due to the large number of feed lines required
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor lattice is segmented into multiple independent layers (first sensor lattice layer, second sensor lattice layer) with each layer having its own feed lines. This segmentation allows each layer to be manufactured and integrated separately, reducing the complexity of integrating all feed lines simultaneously while maintaining fine-resolution coverage across the entire steering wheel rim surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane sensor arrangement to a three-dimensional multilayered structure. By stacking multiple sensor lattice layers at different positions and orientations on the steering wheel rim, the system achieves comprehensive surface coverage and high measurement precision without requiring an excessively complex single-layer feed line network.
2Ease of manufacture
If a multilayered construction with interconnected levels is used to integrate long sensor lengths and feed lines on the toroidal steering wheel rim, then ease of manufacture and integration are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested multilayered construction where sensor lattice layers, feed line layers, and intermediate connection layers are stacked and interconnected in a hierarchical manner. Each layer is integrated within the overall structure, allowing long sensor lengths to be accommodated on the toroidal surface through systematic layer-by-layer assembly rather than attempting to integrate everything in a single complex step.
3Ease of manufacture
If the sensor surface is interrupted to lead inward a plurality of feed lines, then ease of manufacture and feed line integration are improved, but measurement precision and surface coverage are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating large interruptions in the sensor surface, the patent segments the feed line integration into multiple small localized openings distributed across the sensor surface. Each opening accommodates a subset of feed lines, allowing the sensor lattice to remain largely continuous and maintain measurement precision while still providing adequate access for feed line integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves feed line integration from a two-dimensional surface problem to a three-dimensional solution by routing feed lines through multiple layers. Feed lines are distributed across different layers and interconnected through vertical pathways, allowing comprehensive feed line integration without requiring large interruptions in any single sensor layer, thus preserving surface coverage and measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device includes a sensor structure wrapped around a surface of a steering wheel element. The sensor structure includes a substrate material, first sensor lines made from conductive material and formed on the substrate material, second sensor lines made from conductive material, and feed lines. The first sensor lines extend in a first direction. The second sensor lines extend in a second direction. The first direction and the second direction have a non-zero angle between them. The sensor device includes an electronic control unit configured to measure capacitive values of the sensor structure and detect touch or proximity of fingers or hands, which are distinguishable in their position on the surface, based on the measurement. The feed lines are configured to electrically connect the first sensor lines to the electronic control unit.