Vehicle Exterior Keypad with Integrated Interior Lamp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automotive keypad systems lack enhanced functionality and performance, particularly in providing a user-friendly and secure method for locking and unlocking vehicle doors without mechanical keys, and do not effectively integrate lighting for interior illumination.
Innovation Solution
A proximity sensor key input pad with capacitive sensors and integrated lighting, where the keypad is mounted on a vehicle body member, such as a window, using interlaced electrode fingers for capacitive sensing and a lamp for interior illumination, allowing user input through a sequence of codes and providing illuminated characters for identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mechanical switches or proximity switches are used for keypads, then the basic keyless entry function is achieved, but the user interface lacks enhanced functionality and performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated assembly: the keypad with capacitive sensors, the lamp for interior illumination, and the character region with backlighting are merged into one unified structure mounted on the vehicle body member. This integration provides enhanced functionality (keyless entry, interior lighting, character identification) while managing complexity through consolidated design rather than separate components.
2Ease of operation
If no lighting is provided, then the device complexity is reduced, but the user experience in low-light conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lamp assembly serves multiple functions: it provides interior illumination when activated by keypad input, and it backlights the character region to enhance visibility of the keypad labels. This multi-functionality improves ease of operation in various lighting conditions while avoiding the need for separate lighting components, thereby managing device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If capacitive sensors with interlaced electrode fingers are used, then measurement precision for proximity detection is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive sensors are implemented using thin film electrode structures with interlaced electrode fingers. This thin-film approach allows for precise electrode patterns to be created through deposition processes, achieving high measurement precision for proximity detection while the flexibility of thin-film manufacturing helps manage the precision requirements compared to rigid structured approaches.
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 secure and user-friendly operation of vehicle doors using proximity sensors and provides interior lighting, enhancing both functionality and user experience by allowing keyless entry and ambient illumination.
Implementation Method 1
the plurality of proximity sensors comprises a plurality of capacitive sensors; each of the capacitive sensors comprises a first plurality of electrode fingers interlaced with a second plurality of electrode fingers
Implementation Method 2
a lamp configured to illuminate light in an interior of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
An input keypad assembly on a vehicle is provided and includes a keypad located on a vehicle body member and configured to receive a user input on an exterior of the vehicle, and a lamp configured to illuminate light in an interior of the vehicle.