Vehicle Emblem Activation with Capacitive Sensing and Backlighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle assemblies that combine decorative elements with functional actuation lack integration of proximity sensing capabilities, limiting their functionality to mere aesthetic enhancement without providing user-friendly and reliable operational access.
Innovation Solution
An actuating device that integrates a metallic or metallized vehicle emblem with a proximity sensor system, utilizing a light distribution device and capacitive coupling to detect user interactions, allowing for both visual and operational feedback while maintaining the emblem's aesthetic appeal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a decorative vehicle emblem is used solely for aesthetic enhancement, then the visual appeal and perceived value of the vehicle is improved, but the functional utility and operational access remain limited
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle emblem is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it maintains its decorative aesthetic appearance while integrating a proximity sensor capability. The emblem structure incorporates both visual appeal elements and sensing functionality, allowing it to act as both a design feature and an operational interface for vehicle functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the decorative emblem structure with the proximity sensor system into a single integrated assembly. The emblem cover element is merged with the sensor housing, and the lighting elements are integrated within the emblem structure, creating a unified component that delivers both aesthetic and functional value.
2Ease of operation
If the sensor is placed on the user-facing side for easy detection, then the operational accessibility is improved, but the sensor becomes exposed to environmental influences and obstructs the visual appearance
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the sensor on the user-facing side, the patent inverts the arrangement by positioning the capacitive sensor on the opposite side of the emblem structure. The sensor detects user proximity through the emblem material itself, allowing the user-facing side to remain clear for visual appeal while the sensor remains protected on the reverse side.
Solution Approach 2:
The emblem cover element acts as an intermediary medium that transmits the capacitive field from the sensor to the user's body. The lighting elements also serve as intermediaries by providing visual feedback through the emblem structure, enabling interaction without direct sensor exposure.
3Measurement precision
If the cover element is made conductive for sensor coupling, then the capacitive sensing capability is improved, but galvanic coupling with vehicle ground causes interference and reduces sensing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct galvanic (electrical) coupling with capacitive coupling for the sensor connection. Instead of using conductive paths that would create galvanic connections to the vehicle ground, the system uses capacitive sensing through the insulating emblem material, eliminating ground loop interference while maintaining sensing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating emblem cover element serves as a capacitive intermediary that couples the sensor to the user's body without creating galvanic connections. This intermediate capacitive coupling allows the sensor to detect changes in capacitance caused by user proximity or touch while blocking harmful galvanic currents and interference from the vehicle ground.
4Reliability
If the sensor is shielded from environmental influences, then the sensing reliability is improved, but the sensor becomes less accessible to user interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses capacitive sensing technology that can detect user interaction through non-conductive materials. This allows the sensor to remain shielded and protected within the emblem structure while still detecting user proximity or touch through the insulating cover element, eliminating the need for direct sensor exposure.
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
Enables reliable and user-friendly access to vehicle functions by combining optical identification with capacitive sensing, providing a multifunctional assembly that is both aesthetically pleasing and operationally effective, with the ability to control lighting for feedback and instruction.
Implementation Method 1
Beneath the light distribution device is a circuit board with a capacitive coupling element, e.g., a capacitive sensor. The capacitive sensor is at least galvanically isolated from the metallic cover element by the light guide or light distribution device, but capacitively coupled to it. Changes in the capacitance of the cover element thus have a direct effect on the capacitive sensor element.
Implementation Method 2
A light source is arranged beneath or within the light distribution device, so that the combined effect of the light source and the light distribution device provides backlighting to the cover element arranged thereon.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
The invention relates to an activation device (1) comprising a cover element (2), a light distribution device (7) arranged under the cover element (2), and a light source (9c) arranged under or in the light distribution device. The light source and the light distribution device backlight the cover element. The cover element has an operating region (5) oriented outward and formed partially of electrically-conductive metallic material. This operating region is electrically decoupled from the other components so that no conducting connection exists. A printed circuit board (8) with a capacitive sensor (9b) is arranged in turn under the light distribution device (7) so that the capacitive sensor is capacitively coupled to the metallic operating region (5) and the operating region serves as a sensitive access point of the capacitive sensor. A control and evaluation circuit (9d) is coupled to the light source (9c) and also to the proximity sensor (9b) in order to switch the light source depending on a proximity.