Capacitive Touch Mirror Interface With Concealed Electro-Optic Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current mirror assemblies lack integrated touch interfaces that enable seamless user interaction and control, limiting their functionality in applications such as vehicle rearview mirrors, aircraft displays, and building windows.
Innovation Solution
An electro-optic assembly with a substrate configuration that includes electrodes, an electro-optic medium, and a concealment layer, where a touch input sensor is aligned with the concealment layer to detect user inputs, allowing for capacitive touch activation and control of the electro-optic medium's state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a touch input sensor is integrated into the electro-optic assembly, then user interaction capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The touch input sensor is integrated directly into the electro-optic assembly structure, merging the touch interface functionality with the existing electro-optic components. The sensor is positioned between the first substrate and the concealment layer, eliminating the need for separate touch interface assemblies and reducing overall system complexity despite adding functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The first substrate serves multiple functions: it acts as both a structural support element and as the base for mounting the touch input sensor. This multi-functionality approach allows the same component to fulfill both mechanical and interactive roles, improving user interaction capability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Shape
If a concealment layer is added to cover the electro-optic medium, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but touch sensor alignment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The concealment layer is positioned in the vertical dimension between the electro-optic medium and the first surface, rather than requiring lateral alignment adjustments. This vertical layering approach allows the touch sensor to remain aligned with the electro-optic medium while the concealment layer provides aesthetic coverage without interfering with sensor functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The concealment layer acts as an intermediary element that optically conceals the electro-optic medium while maintaining tactile and capacitive coupling for the touch sensor. The layer is designed to be transparent or translucent to touch signals while providing aesthetic coverage, mediating between the functional and aesthetic requirements.
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 intuitive user interaction with electro-optic assemblies by allowing touch-activated control of the electro-optic medium, enhancing functionality in various applications such as vehicle mirrors, aircraft displays, and building windows.
Implementation Method 1
a touch input sensor aligned with the concealment layer to detect user inputs, allowing for capacitive touch activation and control of the electro-optic medium's state
Implementation Method 2
An electro-optic medium is located between the first electrode and the second electrode
Data Source
AI summary
An electro-optic assembly includes a first substrate that has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. A second substrate has a third surface and a fourth surface opposite the third surface. The second and third surfaces face each other to define a gap. A first electrode is coupled to the second surface and a second electrode is coupled to the third surface. An electro-optic medium is located between the first electrode and the second electrode. A concealment layer is located between the electro-optic medium and the first surface and a user interface defines a touch input sensor aligned with the concealment layer.