Vehicle Window Capacitive Keypad with Illuminated Character Regions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automotive keypads lack enhanced and reliable performance, requiring an economical and efficient solution for user input on vehicle exteriors.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive input pad assembly integrated into a vehicle window, featuring a light transmissive medium with a proximity sensor and fluorescent pattern, illuminated by a light source, allowing for user input detection through capacitive sensing and color-coded feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mechanical switches are used for vehicle keypads, then the keypad functionality is provided, but the performance and reliability are not enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical switches with a capacitive sensing system that detects changes in electrical capacitance when a user touches the keypad. This electronic substitution eliminates mechanical wear and improves reliability while reducing structural complexity. The capacitive sensor array is integrated into the window glass, requiring no moving parts or mechanical actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the capacitive sensor array within the multi-layer window glass structure, creating a composite system where the glass serves both as a structural component and as the keypad interface. This integration reduces overall device complexity by combining multiple functions into a single assembly, while the sensor array provides enhanced reliability through its solid-state construction.
2Ease of operation
If the keypad is made visible on the window, then user input is facilitated, but the aesthetic and transparent appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements illumination that activates only during keypad interaction. When a user approaches or touches the window, sensors trigger backlighting to illuminate the keypad area, making it visible and accessible. The illumination turns off when not in use, maintaining the window's transparent aesthetic appearance. This periodic activation balances ease of operation with visual appeal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses illuminated elements that change color or intensity based on interaction state. The backlighting can display different colors to indicate active vs. inactive states, or to provide visual feedback for correct/incorrect input sequences. This dynamic color change enhances user guidance during operation while maintaining a sleek appearance when idle.
3Illumination intensity
If the keypad remains invisible when not in use, then aesthetic appearance is maintained, but user feedback and interaction guidance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates illumination and visual indicators that provide immediate feedback to users during interaction. When a key is pressed or a code is entered, the system illuminates the relevant areas and uses color changes to indicate correct or incorrect input. This feedback mechanism compensates for the generally invisible state, ensuring users receive clear guidance without requiring the keypad to be constantly visible.
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 solution provides a transparent and user-friendly input mechanism that is invisible until activated, offering reliable and economical operation with enhanced sensitivity and feedback for correct or incorrect input, maintaining keypad functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a fluorescent pattern located on the medium, and a light source positioned near an edge of the medium to illuminate the pattern through the medium
Implementation Method 2
conventional keypads employed on motor vehicles typically include mechanical switches actuatable by users
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle capacitive key input pad assembly includes a pad comprising a region defining an illuminated character. The assembly also includes a first electrode having electrode fingers and extending at least partially around the illuminated character region, and a second electrode having electrode fingers and at least partially extending into the character region. One or more electrode fingers trace a portion of the illuminated character.