Touch Input Device Integrated with Vehicle Vent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional touch input devices in vehicles face challenges such as space utilization issues and obstructed views when integrated into vehicle designs, particularly when used as touch pads or screens, which can increase costs and reduce product competitiveness.
Innovation Solution
A touch input device featuring a touch surface with multiple holes, utilizing a flexible printed circuit board with sensor electrodes and a sensor IC to sense capacitance changes, allowing for air or sound passage and integration with vehicle vents as a touch surface, thereby improving space utilization and avoiding visual obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a touch pad is provided below a shift lever of a vehicle, then touch input function is achieved, but space utilization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the touch input device with the air conditioner vent assembly, combining two separate functional components (touch input and air conditioning) into a single integrated structure. This eliminates the need for separate space allocation for the touch pad while maintaining full touch input functionality through the vent surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The air conditioner vent is designed to serve dual purposes: it functions as both an air outlet for the climate control system and as a touch-sensitive input surface. This multi-functionality allows the same physical structure to perform multiple roles, thereby improving space utilization while maintaining ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If a touch screen is provided on a center fascia of a vehicle, then touch input function is achieved, but driver's view is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The touch input function is segmented from the traditional centralized display location and distributed to the air conditioner vent structure. This segmentation allows the touch input capability to be positioned in a location that does not obstruct the driver's view, while still providing accessible control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The air conditioner vent acts as an intermediary structure that carries the touch-sensitive surface. By using the vent as the mediator for touch input, the system achieves touch functionality without requiring a traditional display screen in the driver's line of sight, thus eliminating view obstruction while maintaining ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If a touch screen is added in the inside of a vehicle, then touch input function is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the touch input device with the existing air conditioner vent assembly, eliminating the need to add a separate touch screen component. This merging approach reuses existing structural elements and materials, thereby achieving touch input functionality without incurring additional manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The air conditioner vent is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: air distribution and touch input. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing overall system cost while maintaining full touch input capability. The same structure serves dual purposes, avoiding the expense of adding dedicated touch screen hardware.
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
The solution enables efficient control of vehicle functions without obstructing the driver's view and reduces costs by utilizing existing vehicle components, enhancing both usability and design scalability.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor integrated circuit (IC) electrically connected to the sensor electrode and configured to sense a change in capacitance value of the sensor electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A touch input device includes: a frame having a plurality of frame holes; a flexible printed circuit board coupled to one surface of the frame and having a plurality of holes corresponding to the plurality of frame holes; a sensor electrode disposed on the flexible printed circuit board; and a sensor integrated circuit (IC) electrically connected to the sensor electrode and configured to sense a change in capacitance value of the sensor electrode.