Integrated Vehicle Input Device with Capacitive Touch and Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle input devices have a complex assembly structure and significant weight due to multiple components, and they are often separated from the display area, limiting design freedom and assembly efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A single-body input device for vehicles that integrates a display area and input area with capacitive touch sensors and a lighting system, where input elements and indicators are formed through transfer printing on a translucent body, using a printed circuit board and light emitting elements to enhance design flexibility and assembly efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple push type knobs are used for input functions, then input functionality is achieved, but the number of assembly components increases and the overall assembly structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate push type knobs are merged into a single integrated touch assembly that provides multiple input functions. The touch assembly includes multiple touch sensors disposed at different locations on a printed circuit board, allowing various input operations to be performed through a unified structure rather than multiple separate mechanical knobs.
Solution Approach 2:
Mechanical push type knobs are replaced with a capacitive touch-based input system. The touch sensors detect finger proximity or contact through capacitive coupling, eliminating the need for mechanical moving parts, springs, and physical actuation mechanisms, thereby simplifying the assembly structure while maintaining input functionality.
2Ease of operation
If multiple push type knobs are used for input functions, then input functionality is achieved, but the weight of the input device becomes considerable
Solution Approach 1:
Heavy mechanical components of push type knobs are replaced with lightweight capacitive touch sensors and a printed circuit board assembly. The touch sensors consist of conductive patterns on the PCB that detect finger contact through capacitive changes, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical structures, metal housings, and internal spring mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The input device utilizes thin film structures including the printed circuit board and touch sensor layers that provide the necessary functionality with minimal weight. The touch assembly can be integrated as a thin overlay or embedded layer within the display structure, avoiding bulky mechanical components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the input device is provided independently from the display, then input and display functions are separate, but a border line is formed between the display and the input device
Solution Approach 1:
The input device and display are merged into a single integrated structure where the touch assembly is positioned directly over the display area. The touch sensors are disposed on the same substrate or housing as the display, creating a seamless interface without visible borders or gaps between the display region and the input control region.
Solution Approach 2:
The input controls are integrated in the same spatial plane as the display, with touch sensors positioned at specific locations on the display surface or immediately adjacent to it. This two-dimensional integration eliminates the need for separate three-dimensional mounting structures that would create visual boundaries.
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 integrated design improves design freedom and assembly efficiency by reducing the complexity and weight of the input device while providing a seamless integration of display and input functions, allowing for improved user interaction and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
The touch sensors may be capacitive touch sensors
Implementation Method 2
The lighting device may include a plurality of light emitting elements
Implementation Method 3
the first guide plate may guide light of the first light emitting device towards the input elements, and the second light guide plate may guide light of the second light emitting element towards the indicators
Data Source
AI summary
An input device configured for a vehicle in which a display area and an input area are realized as a single body so that a degree of freedom of design may be improved, may include a body having a display area and an input area, and a touch assembly disposed under the input area, and one or more input elements and one or more indicators are formed in the input area.