Touch-Sensitive Surface Activation Device for Vehicle Controls
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch-sensitive surface activation devices for motorized opening elements in vehicles increase the risk of unintentional control errors and safety hazards, particularly during closure, as they do not effectively prevent accidental activation by objects or limbs in the closure path.
Innovation Solution
A touch-sensitive surface activation device that detects the load applied to the control surface and disables the opening or closure control if the load is outside a predefined admissible range, using a touch-sensitive sensor to determine X and Y coordinates and a comparison unit to ensure only authorized loads initiate the control signal, preventing accidental movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If touch-sensitive surfaces are used for controlling opening elements, then user-friendliness and compactness are improved, but the risk of unintentional control errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of load detection by introducing a load cell that measures the force applied to the touch-sensitive surface. This allows the system to distinguish between intentional user input and accidental contact based on the magnitude of the applied load, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and control accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (load cell) between the touch-sensitive surface and the control mechanism. This intermediary detects the load and provides a signal to the control unit, which then decides whether to activate the opening element. This intermediary layer prevents unintentional activation while maintaining the ease of use of touch-sensitive surfaces.
2Device complexity
If touch-sensitive surfaces are used for controlling opening elements, then device compactness is improved, but the risk of trapping increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent monitors the load parameter in real-time during the closing operation. If an abnormal load is detected (indicating an object or limb in the closing path), the control unit immediately stops the closing operation, thereby preventing trapping while maintaining the compact design of touch-sensitive surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the load cell continuously monitors the force applied during closing operations. When the load exceeds a predetermined threshold, the system provides feedback to the control unit, which then stops the closing action. This feedback loop prevents trapping without requiring additional mechanical safety devices that would increase device complexity.
3Reliability
If load detection means are added to the touch-sensitive surface device, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the load detection function with the existing touch-sensitive surface control mechanism. The load cell is integrated into the same control unit that processes touch input, combining safety monitoring and control functions into a single system. This reduces overall device complexity while improving passive safety.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a touch-sensitive surface (3) activation device (1) for a motorized mechanism used to open and close an opening such as an electric windscreen wiper, comprising a touch-sensitive surface which controls the opening and/or closing of at least one opening. The device comprises means for detecting (9) the charge applied to the touch-sensitive control surface and means (11) for inhibiting control of the opening and/or closing when the applied charge is outside an acceptable predefined charge range.