Touch Sensor Coupling Structure for Curved Flanges
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch sensors for automobiles struggle to systematically and stably couple to curved flanges on sliding doors, requiring complex processes like crushing the installation base member and adhering rubber plates, which are difficult to adjust and prone to adhesive flow, and existing solutions with connection flanges are time-consuming and hard to follow for the sensor.
Innovation Solution
The touch sensor design includes an oblique wall and seal lip formed by die molding that fits the curve of the flange, along with a protrusion for reaction force and inserts for improved rigidity, allowing the sensor to follow the curve without additional processes and maintaining sensor functionality and appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the touch sensor is pressed toward the exterior of the automobile to follow the curve of the flange, then the sensor can systematically couple to the curved flange, but the installation base member lacks sufficient strength and stability to maintain the coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The installation base member uses a composite structure combining a resin outer layer with a metal core. The resin layer provides flexibility to follow the curved flange contour, while the metal core embedded within provides the necessary strength and rigidity to maintain stable coupling without requiring additional reinforcement processes.
2Strength
If crushing or adhering processes are applied to increase installation base member strength, then the sensor can hold the flange, but the number of processes increases and operations become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The metal core is embedded within the resin material during the injection molding process, merging the strength-providing metal component with the flexible resin housing into a single integrated installation base member. This eliminates the need for separate crushing or adhering processes that would otherwise be required to reinforce the base member.
3Ease of operation
If the touch sensor couples to the curve on the flange, then the sensor follows the curve systematically, but the sensor may contact the belt weather strip when the door is closed
Solution Approach 1:
The installation base member has different properties in different regions: the resin outer layer provides local flexibility to follow the curve contour, while the embedded metal core provides local rigidity to maintain proper positioning and prevent contact with the belt weather strip. This local differentiation of material properties allows the sensor to both follow the curve and avoid harmful contact.
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 the touch sensor to systematically follow the curved flange without additional processes, maintaining sensor functionality and appearance, and improving strength and rigidity while preventing contact with the belt weather strip, thus enhancing the sensor's stability and ease of manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
The hollow part 12 makes elastic contact with an object disposed between the sliding door 1 and the opening of the automobile body
Implementation Method 2
The anchoring parts 16 extend toward the inner side and hold the hem flange 40 by making elastic contact
Data Source
AI summary
A part of a touch sensor which couples to a curve of a flange includes an oblique wall and a seal lip. The curve is on a belt line of a sliding door. The oblique wall and the seal lip are close to an interior of an automobile and fit a shape of the curve. A closure wall extends toward an exterior of the automobile and forms a continuous surface with the oblique wall. The closure wall covers a large space from a front side of the automobile.