Twist-Grip Capacitive Sensor for Motorcycle Hand Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing twist-grip control devices for motorcycles struggle to accurately distinguish between different hand positioning conditions relative to the handgrip element, particularly differentiating between hand contact with the handgrip and contact with the metal handlebar.
Innovation Solution
A twist-grip control device equipped with a capacitive sensor assembly featuring a flexible support with metal electrodes and a coating, including a rear array of capacitive sensors with unshielded and shielded detection electrodes, allowing for differentiation between hand positioning conditions by measuring capacitance variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single capacitive sensor is used to detect hand presence, then the device structure remains simple, but the ability to distinguish between different hand positioning conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive sensor is divided into multiple independent detection electrodes (first detection electrode, second detection electrode, third detection electrode) arranged at different positions and with different shielding configurations. Each electrode detects hand presence independently, allowing the system to distinguish between hand contact with the handgrip element versus the handlebar by analyzing which specific electrodes are activated.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sensor assembly are given different properties through selective shielding. The first detection electrode has no shielding (unshielded), while the second and third detection electrodes have shielding electrodes positioned at different locations. This creates distinct detection zones with different capacitance characteristics, enabling the system to identify the precise location of hand contact based on which regional sensors detect the hand.
2Measurement precision
If shielding electrodes are added to the capacitive sensor assembly, then the ability to distinguish hand contact locations improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements are combined into a single integrated capacitive sensor assembly. The flexible support structure integrates multiple detection electrodes, shielding electrodes, and conductive traces into one unified component that can be manufactured as a single piece or pre-assembled unit. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies installation onto the handgrip element.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly utilizes a flexible support made of dielectric material that can be formed into thin-film structures. This flexible substrate allows for the integration of multiple electrodes and shielding elements in a planar configuration that can be conformally mounted on the handgrip element, simplifying installation compared to rigid multi-component assemblies.
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 effectively distinguishes between various hand positioning conditions, including hand contact with the handgrip and the handlebar, enabling precise hand detection and improving the accuracy of control operations.
Implementation Method 1
capacitive sensor assembly for detecting a user's hand, said capacitive sensor assembly comprising a flexible support made of dielectric material arranged around an outer side surface of the tubular body, and at least one metal electrode carried by said flexible support
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A twist-grip control device comprising a handgrip element (7) which includes a capacitive sensor assembly for detecting a user's hand, wherein the capacitive sensor assembly comprises a rear array (20) of capacitive sensors arranged on a rear side of the handgrip element (7) configured to receive the palm of the hand, the rear array of capacitive sensors including: a first rear capacitive sensor (21) comprising a first rear detection electrode (21a) arranged on a flexible support (9), the first rear detection electrode (21a) being unshielded, and a second rear capacitive sensor (22) comprising a second rear detection electrode (22a) arranged on a radially inner face (9b) of the flexible support (9), and a rear shielding electrode (22b) arranged on a radially outer face (9a) of the flexible support (9).