Seat control system

• US 20060185968A1
• Filed: 12/22/2005
• Published: 08/24/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 12/23/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Touchsensor Technologies LLC (Methode Electronics Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Touchsensor Technologies LLC (Methode Electronics Incorporated)
• Inventors: Dzioba, David A.
• Granted Patent: US 7,851,719 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 200/5.R
• CPC Class Codes: B60N 2/0228 Hand-activated mechanical switches B60N2/0229 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 2001/1284 with communication systems other than radio-receivers, e.g. keyless entry systems, navigation systems; with anti-collision systems
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/24 using electronic identifiers containing a code not memorised by the user
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/0069 actuated in a predetermined sequence
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00714 with passive electrical components, e.g. resistor, capacitor, inductor
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2217/04 Mimics of controlled apparatus or symbol
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2239/074 Actuation by finger touch
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2300/008 Application power seats
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 17/962 Capacitive touch switches
• CPC Class Codes: H03K 2017/9602 characterised by the type or shape of the sensing electrodes

Abstract

The present invention relates to a seat control system for a vehicle. The system includes a substrate with a plurality of touch zones disposed on one surface of the substrate, and a plurality of electrode patterns disposed on the opposite surface. An inner electrode of each pattern is aligned with one of the touch zones. Each pattern is electrically coupled to an active electrical component, which energizes the electrodes of the pattern such that electric fields emanate therefrom. The pattern may be capacitively coupled to the component. When the electric field of the inner electrode is disturbed by a stimulus proximate the corresponding touch zone, the component is activated. Upon activation of one of the components, a controller causes the seat to move in a desired direction.

Claims

1. An ergonomic seat control panel, comprising:

a substrate defining a base portion and a first protruding portion, said first protruding portion corresponding to a first movable portion of a seat;

said first protruding portion defining a first touch surface in a first location corresponding to a first direction of movement of said first movable portion and a second touch surface in a second location corresponding to a second direction of movement of said first movable portion;

a first touch sensor comprising a first sensing electrode, said first sensing electrode disposed on said substrate in operable association with said first touch surface;

a second touch sensor comprising a second sensing electrode, said second sensing electrode disposed on said substrate in operable association with said second touch surface;

wherein introduction of a stimulus proximate said first touch surface causes movement of said first movable portion of said seat in said first direction and wherein introduction of a stimulus proximate said second touch surface causes movement of said second movable portion of said seat in said second direction.

2. The control panel of claim 1, wherein said first sensing electrode comprises a thin conductive pad;

wherein said first touch sensor further comprises an outer sensing electrode disposed on said substrate, said outer sensing electrode substantially surrounding said first sensing electrode.

3. The control panel of claim 2 wherein each of said first sensing electrode and said second sensing electrode is coupled to an electrical signal source and receives an electrical signal from said electrical signal source;

wherein an electric field is generated about each of said first sensing electrode and said second sensing electrode in response to said electrical signal;

wherein introduction of a stimulus proximate said first touch sensor causes movement of said first movable portion only if said stimulus disturbs said electric field about said first sensing electrode to a greater degree than said stimulus disturbs said electric field about said outer sensing electrode

4. The control panel of claim 1, said substrate further comprising a second protruding portion, said second protruding portion corresponding to a second movable portion of a seat;

said second protruding portion defining a third touch surface in a third location corresponding to a first direction of movement of said second movable portion and a fourth touch surface in a fourth location corresponding to a second direction of movement of said second movable portion;

said control panel further comprising a third touch sensor comprising a third sensing electrode, said third sensing electrode disposed on said substrate in operable association with said third touch surface;

a fourth touch sensor comprising a fourth sensing electrode, said fourth sensing electrode disposed on said substrate in operable association with said fourth touch surface;

wherein introduction of a stimulus proximate said third touch surface causes movement of said second movable portion of said seat in said third direction and wherein introduction of a stimulus proximate said fourth touch surface causes movement of said second movable portion of said seat in said fourth direction.

5. The control panel of claim 1 wherein said base portion defines a third touch surface, said control panel further comprising a third touch sensor comprising a third sensing electrode, said third sensing electrode disposed on said substrate in operable association with said third touch surface, said third touch sensor corresponding to a controllable function of said seat.