Integrated Touch Switch for Multi-Position Vehicle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle switches require prolonged user interaction to achieve desired settings for window positions, volume, or moon roof adjustments, lacking the ability to target intermediate positions without continuous user input.
Innovation Solution
A multi-value selection switch with an integrated touch sensor that detects user input via detectable positions, allowing for momentary gestures to select target values and provide haptic feedback, enabling the switch to adjust vehicle devices without further user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional switch is used for window control, then the user can control the window position, but the user must maintain prolonged contact with the switch to achieve intermediate positions
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement surface is segmented into multiple discrete touch-sensitive regions, each corresponding to a specific window position. Instead of requiring continuous switch actuation, the user simply touches the desired position region, which is segmented and distinct from other regions. This divides the control function into discrete, selectable positions rather than continuous manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-defines multiple target positions for the window on the engagement surface. The user does not need to manually determine or calculate the desired position during operation; it is already prepared and marked as a detectable location. The user only needs to select from these pre-established options, eliminating the need for prolonged manual control.
2Ease of operation
If a touch sensor with multiple detectable positions is integrated into the switch, then the user can select intermediate positions with a momentary gesture, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The touch sensor is merged with the mechanical switch housing to form an integrated engagement surface. The touch-sensitive regions are incorporated directly into the switch body rather than being separate components. This combining of the touch interface and mechanical structure reduces overall device complexity while enabling multi-position control.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement surface serves multiple functions: it acts as both the mechanical switch interface and the touch sensor interface. The same physical surface that the user would traditionally press now also contains integrated touch-sensitive regions that detect finger proximity or contact. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate controls for different window positions.
3Reliability
If the switch provides haptic feedback for actuation confirmation, then the user can verify switch activation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A haptic feedback mechanism is integrated into the switch to provide tactile confirmation when the user touches a detectable position. This feedback loop allows the user to verify that their input was registered without requiring visual confirmation or additional controls. The feedback is generated through the existing engagement surface structure, providing reliable actuation confirmation.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-value selection switch that includes an engagement surface with an integrated touch sensor. The integrated touch sensor includes a plurality of detectable positions that correspond to, for instance, a range of absolute or relative target input values between a predefined minimum and maximum. The engagement surface further defines a switch that actuates/activates based on detecting a user-supplied force and/or based on a user momentarily holding a finger/pointer position. A user can select a target input value by bringing a finger or other pointer within operable proximity of an associated detectable position and actuating the switch and/or momentarily pausing. In response, the selection switch outputs a control signal to an associated device to cause the same to adjust operation.