Vehicle Opening Switch With MEMS Force Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle opening switches that rely on capacitive sensors often require direct contact with a user's body or finger, failing to function effectively when a user is wearing a glove, and lack seamless integration with vehicle functionalities like backlighting and haptic feedback.
Innovation Solution
The integration of microelectromechanical (MEMS) sensors within decorative cover assemblies that deflect upon user contact, generating output signals indicative of force and position, combined with haptic feedback and backlighting, allowing for intuitive operation of vehicle components such as doors and windows regardless of glove use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If capacitive sensors are used for force sensing, then the sensor can detect touch, but it requires direct contact with a user's body or finger and fails when the user is wearing a glove
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces capacitive sensing with a mechanical force sensing system. A force sensor is integrated into the decorative cover assembly to directly detect mechanical force applied by the user, eliminating the need for capacitive coupling through the body or finger. This mechanical approach works effectively even when the user is wearing gloves, as it detects the physical force rather than requiring electrical capacitance coupling.
2Ease of operation
If traditional switches are used for opening/closing vehicle devices, then the function can be implemented, but it lacks seamless integration and user experience enhancement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the decorative cover assembly with the force sensing functionality and integrates it directly with the vehicle's control system. The decorative cover serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, containing the force sensor and providing the user interface. This integration eliminates the need for separate traditional switches while providing seamless operation through natural force application on the decorative surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The decorative cover assembly serves multiple functions: it provides aesthetic appearance, houses the force sensor, transmits user force to the sensor, and integrates with the vehicle's control system for seamless operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and provides a more integrated user experience compared to traditional switches.
3Adaptability or versatility
If force sensing is integrated with decorative cover assemblies, then operation with gloves is enabled, but the structural design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor is integrated directly into the decorative cover assembly structure, combining the aesthetic component with the sensing function. This merging eliminates the need for separate sensor housings or additional structural elements, as the decorative cover itself serves as the force transmission path to the sensor.
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
Enhances user experience by providing tactile confirmation and seamless operation of vehicle functions, including door and window control, with the ability to operate switches wearing gloves, and integrates MEMS force sensing with aesthetic features like backlighting and haptic feedback.
Implementation Method 1
a microelectromechanical (MEMS) sensor mounted in the sensor housing region. When the contact from the user occurs at the deflection portion in the decorative cover assembly, the MEMS sensor is configured to generate an output signal that is indicative of a force of the contact from the user
Implementation Method 2
the deflection portion is configured to at least partially deflect relative to the anchor portion upon a contact from a user at the inner surface
Implementation Method 3
a light emitting diode (LED) is configured to backlight the decorative cover assembly
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An opening switch for a vehicle having a decorative cover assembly, a sensor housing region, and a microelectromechanical (MEMS) sensor mounted in the sensor housing region. The decorative cover assembly has an inner surface, an outer surface, an anchor portion, and a deflection portion. When contact from a vehicle user occurs at the deflection portion in the decorative cover assembly, a microdeflection occurs. The microdeflection has a microdeflection apex, and the microdeflection apex is spaced from other surfaces in the sensor housing region when the contact from the user occurs at the deflection portion in the decorative cover assembly. The MEMS sensor is configured to generate an output signal that is indicative of a force of the contact from the user. The force integrated switch can include haptic feedback and/or backlighting.