Vehicle accessory control circuit
First Claim
1. A vehicle accessory control circuit, comprising:
- a processor electrically connected to a power source and a memory, the processor executing computer readable instructions stored on the memory to configure the accessory control circuit and an accessory control output;
at least one capacitive touch assembly coupled to a steering mechanism of the vehicle, the capacitive touch assembly comprising;
a polymer layer;
an electrically conductive conduit at least partially encased within the polymer layer and connected at opposite ends to the power source and the processor such that said conduit transmits a capacitance input data signal to the processor to adjust the accessory control output.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A vehicle accessory control circuit includes a processor electrically connected to a power source and a memory, the processor executing computer readable instructions stored on the memory to configure the accessory control circuit and an accessory control output. The control circuit includes at least one capacitive touch assembly having an electrically conductive conduit shielded by a portion of a steering mechanism of the vehicle. The capacitive touch assembly is connected to the power source and the processor such that the conduit is configured to transmit a capacitance input data signal to the processor to adjust the accessory control output. The capacitance input data signal is varied by a conductive touch object such as a human finger or palm to manipulate the output from the accessory system.
164 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A vehicle accessory control circuit, comprising:
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a processor electrically connected to a power source and a memory, the processor executing computer readable instructions stored on the memory to configure the accessory control circuit and an accessory control output; at least one capacitive touch assembly coupled to a steering mechanism of the vehicle, the capacitive touch assembly comprising; a polymer layer; an electrically conductive conduit at least partially encased within the polymer layer and connected at opposite ends to the power source and the processor such that said conduit transmits a capacitance input data signal to the processor to adjust the accessory control output. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A vehicle accessory control circuit, comprising:
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a processor connected to a power source and a memory, the processor executing computer readable instructions stored on the memory to configure the accessory control circuit; at least one capacitive touch assembly coupled to a steering mechanism of the vehicle, the capacitive touch assembly transmitting a capacitance input data signal to the processor, the capacitive touch assembly comprising a touch layer extending over at least one conductive layer, such that the touch layer is exposed on an outer surface opposite the conductive layer; and wherein the conductive layer is in electronic communication with the power source and the processor and conducts the capacitance input data signal, from the capacitive touch assembly to the processor to adjust an accessory control output, wherein capacitance between the conductive layer and a touching object in contact with the outer surface of the touch layer varies the capacitance input data signal transmitted to the processor to adjust the accessory control output. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A vehicle accessory actuation system comprising:
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a vehicle accessory control circuit connecting a vehicle accessory to a power source, a processor, and a memory, wherein the processor executes computer readable instructions stored on the memory to configure the vehicle accessory control circuit and a vehicle accessory output; at least one capacitive touch assembly coupled to a steering mechanism of the vehicle and transmitting a capacitance input data signal to the processor, wherein the capacitive touch assembly comprises; a touch layer having a first side and an exposed side; and at least one conductive layer coupled to the first side of the touch layer and in electronic communication with the power source and the processor such that the conductive layer transmits a capacitance input data signal to the processor to adjust the vehicle accessory output; wherein an air bag module is coupled to the steering mechanism, the air bag module having a cover disposed within the perimeter of the steering mechanism, and wherein the at least one capacitive touch assembly is disposed adjacent the cover. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification