Piece Cost Target $10 – $15.
Design HMI LLC working in partnership with Industrial Design firm of Prateek is working to develop design concepts for Seat Switches that meet 21st century driver / passenger expectations. Most automotive switch designs in this area still follow the standard rocker / push switch design methodology.
Recognizing that capacitive touch may not be an ideal solution for this application have been evaluating other innovation solutions.
Plan to complete initial design concept in partnership with global technology innovators to design and take through prototyping or use as thought starters by OE’s / Suppliers.
Design Concept Deliverable:
- MUST exhibit high quality finish – combination high gloss, stipple and / or metallic.
- Each button moves 1 – 2 mm or less during activation with tactile feedback.
- Single piece Class A assembly w/combination Elastomer. PC ABS other materials.
- Combination low & high pressure molding technology application.
- 3D circuit technology is integrated to reduce depth and reduce component count.
- Diffused 3D lighting behind buttons.
- Total depth < 10mm
Below example of new generation seat switch which incorporates multiple new technologies. The button in between and a scroll (like mouse scroll) in the center most part to adjust the seat. Instead of using buttons to move (adjust) the seats just scroll it
down or up to adjust the seat. And the level of adjustment will be shown by the lights as shown in the concept rendering – could look much better.
The conical shape will help the user to directly touch the button in the center and then the scroll instead of touching the whole panel and then searching for the button ( without seeing it).
Few current high end / high quality seat switches that the new design must improve upon and still meet cost targets as defined by these designs.
