Vehicle Interior Touch Switch Recess Geometry for Accurate Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Touch switches in vehicles are planar and lack regulated operable ranges, leading to unintended misoperations due to finger deviation or accidental contact with the sensing unit.
Innovation Solution
A recessed touch switch design with a curved surface and standing wall portion to regulate finger input and prevent accidental contact, along with sensor regions aligned to match finger trajectories and adjustable sensing unit positions based on grip detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a planar touch switch is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the operable range is unregulated leading to misoperations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar (2D) touch switch to a three-dimensional recessed structure. The sensing unit is positioned in a recessed portion with standing wall portions, creating a depth dimension that physically regulates the operable range. This dimensional change allows the touch switch to maintain manufacturing simplicity while improving operation accuracy by guiding finger contact to the intended sensing area.
Solution Approach 2:
The recessed portion acts as an intermediary structure between the finger and the sensing unit. The standing wall portions form a physical boundary that mediates the interaction, ensuring the finger contacts only the intended sensing area. This intermediary structure prevents accidental contact with adjacent areas while maintaining the simplicity of the touch switch design.
2Ease of operation
If the sensing unit is exposed on a planar surface, then it is easy to access, but accidental contact by nearby occupants causes erroneous input
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the sensing unit in a recessed portion rather than on a planar surface, the patent adds a depth dimension that provides physical protection. The standing wall portions create a barrier that prevents accidental contact from the side while maintaining easy access from the front. This dimensional change resolves the contradiction between accessibility and protection from harmful accidental contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The recessed portion creates a localized protected area for the sensing unit. The standing wall portions provide protection specifically around the sensing unit without affecting the overall design. This local quality change allows the sensing unit to remain easily accessible while being protected from accidental contact by occupants nearby.
3Reliability
If the operable range is physically regulated with walls, then misoperation is suppressed, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The recessed portion serves multiple functions simultaneously: it regulates the operable range to prevent misoperation, protects the sensing unit from accidental contact, and provides a mounting structure for the sensing unit. By combining multiple functions into a single structural feature, the patent reduces overall device complexity while maintaining high operation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the protective structure with the mounting structure. The standing wall portions that protect the sensing unit also serve as the mounting framework. This merging of protective and structural functions reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an interior article for a conveyance including a touch switch suppressing an unintended misoperation by an occupant. An interior article for a conveyance of the present invention includes a touch switch operating an electrical component provided in a conveyance and a recess portion formed in an interior side surface of the conveyance. The touch switch has a sensor detecting an occupant's finger. The recess portion has an opening portion, a bottom portion, a standing wall portion formed around the bottom portion, and a curved surface formed to be curved so as to protrude toward the opening portion side in the bottom portion. The sensor is disposed on the curved surface.