Proximity switch assembly having groove between adjacent proximity sensors
First Claim
1. A proximity switch assembly comprising:
- a rigid substrate having top and bottom surfaces;
a first proximity sensor proximate a surface of the substrate;
a second proximity sensor proximate a surface of the substrate adjacent to the first sensor with a region therebetween;
pliable material disposed on the top surface of the substrate; and
a groove formed in the substrate entirely in the region between the first and second proximity sensors.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A proximity switch assembly and method for detecting activation of a proximity switch assembly is provided. The assembly includes a plurality of proximity switches each having a proximity sensor providing a sense activation field and control circuitry processing the activation field of each proximity switch to sense activation. A pliable material overlays the proximity sensors. The control circuitry monitors the activation field and determines an activation of a proximity switch based on a signal generated by the sensor in relation to a threshold when a user'"'"'s finger depresses the pliable material. The pliable material may further include an elevated portion and an air gap between the elevated portion and the sensor.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A proximity switch assembly comprising:
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a rigid substrate having top and bottom surfaces; a first proximity sensor proximate a surface of the substrate; a second proximity sensor proximate a surface of the substrate adjacent to the first sensor with a region therebetween; pliable material disposed on the top surface of the substrate; and a groove formed in the substrate entirely in the region between the first and second proximity sensors. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A vehicle proximity switch assembly comprising:
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a rigid substrate having top and bottom surfaces; a first proximity sensor mounted on the bottom surface of the substrate; a second proximity sensor mounted on the bottom surface of the substrate adjacent to the first sensor with a region therebetween; a pliable material disposed on the top surface of the substrate; and a groove formed in the substrate entirely in the region between the first and second proximity sensors. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification