Vehicle Touch Module Coplanar Frame and Overmolded Window
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicle touch screens are fragile and have protruding edges that need protection and concealment to achieve a smooth, uniform appearance, which existing technologies fail to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
A control and display module with a molded frame that is overmolded with a transparent window, providing a smooth feel and hiding the edges of the capacitive touch screen, using an opaque thermoplastic material with removable fixing means and a polycarbonate transparent window, giving a continuous surface impression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If protective frames are placed around the touch screen to protect and conceal edges, then the edges are protected and hidden, but the surface uniformity and smoothness are compromised due to raised borders and visible transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective frame function with the touch screen assembly by integrating the frame into the same planar surface as the touch screen. The frame and touch screen are positioned coplanarly, eliminating raised borders and creating a unified smooth surface that maintains both edge protection and surface uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional raised frame structure to a two-dimensional coplanar frame integration. By positioning the frame in the same plane as the touch screen rather than elevating it, the solution eliminates the height difference that causes surface non-uniformity while maintaining the protective function.
2Area of stationary object
If the touch screen control surface extends beyond the screen, then the control area is increased, but protruding edges are revealed that require protection and concealment
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is merged with the touch screen assembly in a coplanar configuration, allowing the control surface to extend beyond the screen while the frame seamlessly integrates into the same plane. This eliminates visible protruding edges while maintaining the extended control area.
3Reliability
If glass frames are used to protect touch screens, then the edges are protected, but achieving a smooth feeling and uniform appearance is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from glass to plastic for the frame. Plastic material allows for easier manufacturing of smooth surfaces and better integration with the touch screen assembly, achieving both edge protection and smooth uniform appearance without the manufacturing difficulties associated with glass frames.
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 provides a smooth and uniform touch surface, protecting the edges of the capacitive touch screen and offering a seamless user experience, while also making the module appear completely black when unpowered.
Implementation Method 1
The touch screen makes it possible to determine the coordinates of the pressure of a user's finger by using, for example, capacitive technology.
Implementation Method 2
the rounded wall of the molded frame is extends by at least two elastic lugs snapping into corresponding holes in the control panel
Implementation Method 3
said capacitive touch screen being glued behind said transparent glass
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a control and display module for a motor vehicle, comprising: a screen (2) for displaying data; a capacitive touch-sensitive faceplate (3) via which a user inputs commands, said capacitive touch-sensitive faceplate being superposed on said screen (2); a control panel (5) in which said screen (2) is housed, characterized in that it further comprises a moulded surround (7) peripheral to said capacitive touch-sensitive faceplate (3), having means of attachment to said control panel (5), and in that said moulded surround (7) is overmoulded with a transparent window (8), said capacitive touch-sensitive faceplate (3) being bonded to the back of said transparent window (8). The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a control and display moduleaccording to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the moulded surround is overmoulded with a transparent window (102); said capacitive touch-sensitive faceplate is bonded to the back of the transparent window by fixing the moulded surround in the control panel (step 104); and the assembly comprising the moulded surround, the transparent window overmoulded on the moulded surround and the capacitive touch-sensitive faceplate bonded to the back of the transparent window is fixed into the control panel (step 105).