Switch with user feedback
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A switch comprising:
- a substrate having a non-conductive contact area on a first face;
a first negative polarity conductor located in the substrate and extending onto the contact area;
a second positive polarity conductor located in the substrate and extending onto the contact area; and
a sensor configured to detect when a user makes a direct electrical contact with both the first negative polarity conductor and the second positive polarity conductor in the contact area.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A switch includes a substrate that has a contact area on a first face. At least one first conductor is located in the substrate and extends onto the contact area. At least one second conductor is located in the substrate and extends onto the contact area. A sensor is configured to detect when a user contacts the contact area.
44 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A switch comprising:
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a substrate having a non-conductive contact area on a first face; a first negative polarity conductor located in the substrate and extending onto the contact area; a second positive polarity conductor located in the substrate and extending onto the contact area; and a sensor configured to detect when a user makes a direct electrical contact with both the first negative polarity conductor and the second positive polarity conductor in the contact area. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. An automotive component comprising:
a plurality of switch assemblies for controlling at least one vehicle parameter, each of the plurality of switch assemblies including; a substrate having a contact area on a first face; a first conductor located in the substrate extending onto the contact area; a second conductor located in the substrate extending onto the contact area; a sensor configured to detect when a user contacts both the first conductor and the second conductor in the contact area; and a microprocessor in communication with the sensor to determine when a user makes a direct electrical connection between the first and second conductors in the the contact area. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of operating a switch comprising
a) grounding a first conductor located on a contact surface of a button to a ground; -
b) connecting an electrical power source to a second conductor located on the contact surface of the button; c) determining when a user contacts the button with a sensor; d) sending an electrical current to the second conductor when the user contacts the button; e) completing a circuit between the first conductor and the second conductor when the user contacts the button; wherein the sensor is configured to send a signal to a microprocessor when the user contacts the contact surface, the microprocessor being configured to direct the electrical current from the electrical power source to the ground through the first conductor and the second conductor when a portion of the user'"'"'s body completes the circuit between the first conductor and the second conductor.
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Specification