Touch-Sensitive Control Element with Localized Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Control elements without mechanically moveable components in motor vehicles fail to provide tactile feedback to users, as they do not yield to touch, making it difficult for users to distinguish surface contact from vehicle vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A touch-sensitive control element design featuring a capacitive sensor and a thin, inert surface with a small actuator that induces localized motion upon contact, allowing a small, inexpensive actuator to create perceivable oscillations, and a metallic bead for reinforcement and visibility, while preventing unintended activations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a large, strong oscillator coil is used to produce perceivable oscillations, then the oscillation strength is sufficient to be differentiated from vehicle vibrations, but the device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control element surface is segmented into a touch-sensitive first surface and an inert second surface. The actuator is positioned to drive only the first surface, creating localized oscillations rather than requiring whole-surface vibration. This segmentation allows a smaller actuator to achieve perceivable motion by concentrating force on a specific region.
Solution Approach 2:
The first surface is designed with specific local properties (touch-sensitive, capable of oscillation) while the second surface remains inert. The actuator applies force locally to the first surface through the sensor, creating perceivable oscillations in a localized area rather than requiring strong whole-surface vibrations. This local quality differentiation enables smaller actuators to be effective.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor is placed close to the touch-sensitive surface for sharp demarcation, then the touch sensitivity precision improves, but the structural strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The solution separates the thin, flexible plate (providing touch sensitivity) from the inert surface component (providing structural strength). The sensor is positioned in an opening of the inert surface with the thin plate covering it, allowing the sensor to be very close to the touch-sensitive surface for precise detection while the inert surface provides the necessary structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The control element combines a thin plate material (for flexibility and touch sensitivity) with an inert surface material (for structural strength). This composite structure allows the sensor to be positioned close to the touch-sensitive surface for sharp demarcation and high measurement precision, while the inert surface provides the structural strength that would be insufficient if only a thin plate were used.
3Ease of operation
If a thin plate is used for the touch-sensitive surface to minimize wall thickness, then the touch sensitivity responsiveness improves, but the structural robustness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control element is segmented into a thin plate portion (for touch sensitivity) and an inert surface portion (for structural robustness). The thin plate can be made with minimal wall thickness (under 0.25 mm, or even under 0.1 mm) to respond quickly to touch, while the inert surface provides the structural strength needed for durability. The sensor is positioned in an opening of the inert surface with the thin plate covering it.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution uses a composite structure combining a thin, flexible plate material with a stronger inert surface material. This allows the touch-sensitive surface to have minimal wall thickness for high responsiveness and quick feedback, while the overall structure maintains robustness through the inert surface component that provides structural support and protection.
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
Enables a small, cost-effective actuator to produce localized, perceivable motion on the touch-sensitive surface, enhancing user feedback without increasing the actuator's size or complexity, and minimizing the risk of accidental activation.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is preferably a capacitive sensor
Implementation Method 2
A control element includes a sensor and a first member covering the sensor and having a first surface including a touch-sensitive region for triggering the sensor when touched. An actuator includes a first component operably coupled to the first member and a second component operably coupled to the second member. The first and second components are configured to move relative to each other for driving a motion of the first surface relative to the second surface when the sensor is triggered.
Data Source
AI summary
A control element for a motor vehicle provides a palpable response when touched. The control element includes a sensor, a touch-sensitive surface, which when touched causes the sensor to respond. An inert surface surrounds the touch-sensitive surface, which when touched does not cause the sensor to respond. An actuator is disposed between the touch sensitive surface and the inert surface and includes two components that can move relative to each other. One component is connected with the touch-sensitive surface, and the other component is connected with the inert surface. The actuator drives a motion of the touch-sensitive surface relative to the inert surface once a contact has been acquired.