Tilt and Pivot Sensor Operating Unit for Gloved Vehicle Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating units for electrical apparatuses, particularly in vehicle components like heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, face challenges in reliably detecting the position of a finger on a metal or gloved-hand-operated strip without using capacitive sensors, which are impractical for metal surfaces or gloved operations.
Innovation Solution
The operating unit features a housing with a tiltable operating strip supported by a pivotable support element about a torsion axis, employing pivot and tilt detection sensors to determine the finger's position based on torque and movement, eliminating the need for proximity sensors and allowing operation with gloves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If capacitive sensor systems are used to detect finger position on the operating strip, then detection precision is improved, but the system cannot be implemented on metal surfaces or when wearing gloves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces capacitive sensing (electrical field-based) with a mechanical sensor system that detects physical displacement and tilt of the operating strip. The sensor system comprises displacement sensors that measure the position of the operating strip relative to the support element, and tilt sensors that detect the angular orientation of the strip. This mechanical substitution enables reliable finger position detection on metal surfaces and through gloves, as it relies on physical contact mechanics rather than electrical capacitance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mechanical intermediary system consisting of the support element and linkage mechanisms that transmit finger contact forces to the sensors. When a user presses the operating strip, the force is transmitted through the strip and support element to the displacement and tilt sensors, which convert the mechanical deformation into measurable signals. This intermediary mechanical transmission system enables indirect sensing that works through gloves and on metal surfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If differential signals or bending force sensor systems are used to determine finger position, then operation with gloves is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensing function into two independent sensor types: displacement sensors that measure linear position changes and tilt sensors that measure angular orientation. Each sensor type focuses on a specific aspect of the operating strip's response to finger contact, simplifying the individual sensor requirements while maintaining comprehensive detection capability through their combined use.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of measuring force directly at the contact point (as in bending force sensors), the patent inverts the approach by measuring the resulting displacement and tilt of the operating strip at its support points. This indirect measurement method simplifies the sensor installation and reduces complexity while still enabling accurate finger position determination through geometric relationships.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the operating strip is held in a quasi rigid manner, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to detect tilting moments is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from direct force/moment measurement to displacement and tilt angle measurement. The operating strip is designed with controlled flexibility that allows measurable displacement and tilt under finger contact while maintaining sufficient rigidity for stable operation. The sensor system measures these geometric parameter changes (position and orientation) rather than mechanical stresses, enabling detection sensitivity without compromising structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes direct mechanical moment measurement with geometric measurement of displacement and tilt. Instead of using complex force sensors to measure tilting moments directly on the rigid strip, the system uses displacement sensors and tilt sensors to measure the strip's position and orientation changes, which are then used to calculate the applied forces. This substitution maintains structural stability while improving measurement capability.
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 provides reliable and precise detection of finger position on the operating strip, reducing sensor requirements and enabling operation with gloves, independent of the strip's rigidity and design, while preventing erroneous actuations.
Implementation Method 1
two tilt detection sensors for detecting a tilting of the operating strip about the tilt axis when the operating strip is actuated by manually pressing against an operating field of the operating strip, wherein the tilt detection sensors detect a movement of the ends of the operating strip when the same is actuated
Implementation Method 2
the support element being pivotable in at least one pivoting direction about a pivot axis that extends parallel to the longitudinal extension of the operating strip between a rest position into which the support element is elastically prestressed and a pivot position
Data Source
AI summary
An operating unit for an electrical apparatus is provided with a housing, an operating strip and a support element arranged in the housing. The operating strip is mounted on the support element about a tilt axis extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the operating strip. The support element is tiltable parallel to the longitudinal direction of the operating strip. The support element is elastically prestressed, into a pivot position, which is detected by a pivot position sensor. Two tilt detection sensors detect a tilting of the operating strip about the tilt axis when it is actuated. The operating unit is provided with a controller for receiving signals and determining the operating field on which a finger is applied with an actuating force required for adopting the pivot position of the support element and triggering the function associated with the determined operating field.