Proximity switch assembly having pliable surface and depression
First Claim
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1. A proximity switch assembly comprising:
- a rigid substrate having top and bottom surfaces and a depression within the top surface of the substrate;
a proximity sensor comprising first and second electrodes disposed on the substrate below the depression; and
a non-conductive pliable material provided on the top surface of the substrate and extending over the depression, wherein the proximity sensor generates an output signal indicative of the dielectric properties of a user'"'"'s finger.
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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. A depression is formed in a substrate between the pliable material and the sensor. A groove may extend into the substrate between adjacent proximity switches. The pliable material may further include an elevated portion.
589 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 and a depression within the top surface of the substrate; a proximity sensor comprising first and second electrodes disposed on the substrate below the depression; and a non-conductive pliable material provided on the top surface of the substrate and extending over the depression, wherein the proximity sensor generates an output signal indicative of the dielectric properties of a user'"'"'s finger. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A vehicle proximity switch assembly comprising:
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a rigid substrate having first and second surfaces and a depression forming an air gap within the second surface of the substrate; a proximity sensor comprising first and second electrodes disposed on the first surface of the substrate below the depression; and a non-conductive pliable material provided on the substrate and extending over the depression, wherein the depression is longer than the proximity sensor, and wherein the proximity sensor generates an output signal indicative of the dielectric properties of a user'"'"'s finger. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification